The role of nasal congestion as a defence against respiratory viruses

Abstract

Introduction: This review discusses how nasal congestion may have benefits as a mechanism of defence against respiratory viruses.

Methods: A literature research was conducted on respiratory viruses and nasal congestion, following a recently published review on how temperature sensitivity is important for the success of common respiratory viruses.

Results: The literature reported that common respiratory viruses are temperature sensitive and replicate well at the cooler temperatures of the upper airways (32°C), but replication is restricted at body temperature (37°C). The amplitude of the phases of congestion and decongestion associated with the nasal cycle was increased on infection with respiratory viruses and this caused unilateral nasal congestion and obstruction. Nasal congestion and obstruction increase nasal mucosal temperature towards 37°C and therefore restricted the replication of respiratory viruses.

Conclusion: Nasal congestion associated with the nasal cycle may act as a mechanism of respiratory defence against infection with respiratory viruses.

Keywords: common cold; congestion; nasal cycle; temperature sensitivity.