Why is the nose running when we have a cold?

The answer lies in the way our nose fights disease.

The nose is a complex organ, tasked with warming and regulating the amount of air entering the body, and acting as a gatekeeper against the adverse effects of the external environment, according to Stella Lee - Otolaryngology professor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (USA). It is also possible for the nose to be a frontline position in the battle between the immune system and the causative factors. As soon as it is not sick, the nose is always covered with mucus. This mucus works to trap bacteria and disease-causing viruses that can infect you, if they go to more vulnerable tissues on the body. A cilia is placed in the nose that will move the mucus from the front to the back of the nose, then down the throat.

The nose is a complex organ, with the task of warming and regulating the amount of air entering the body.

In the case of pathogens that pass through the mucous layer, then you are ill. To protect the body, the immune system begins to act. A small protein called cytokine will "order" T cells and B cells to search and destroy pathogens. These proteins, like informants, tell the cells in the nose to produce more mucus to clean the lining cells from bacteria or other harmful viruses. As mucus grows, your nasal cavity will naturally be filled with this excess fluid. Then they spill out through the nostrils, and we often call it a runny nose . When your body clears the pathogens, the immune system will reduce the signal of panic and the mucus will return to normal.

However, sometimes this system is not so great that it knows when to turn off reactive mechanisms, or to recognize the cells it needs to attack. Being too active or having a bad reaction will lead to conditions such as allergies or asthma. When the body launches a large-scale attack on something that doesn't really harm it, it will damage the body's tissues.

In addition, even if the body has been released outside of "invaders" , the mucus is contagious. In other words, it can still transmit disease to others. You probably know that frequent hand washing is a great way to prevent certain diseases, and Lee stressed: "Touching your nose, mouth or eyes without washing your hands can cause bacteria and viruses to spread. it's easier to infect or re-enter your body ". "As a doctor, I have to be in constant contact with patients, but I wash my hands constantly and because of that I am not sick , " Lee said.

The nose is a complex and equally important organ for the immune system.(Photo: SciShow).

"Be careful with your nose"

If you're sick - it's inevitable for most of us, but it's important to be careful with your nose, Professor Stella Lee warned. Blowing your nose too hard can damage delicate hair. Can even push the pathogen deep into the nasal cavity, where they easily spread into the body. To reduce runny nose, you should use saline solution (through nasal sprays or other ways) to wash your nose. This will help to loosen mucus and return to their normal state more quickly. Anti-congestion drugs are also recommended by Dr Lee.

During the early stages of treatment, doctors often do not give antibiotics to prescriptions because most colds are caused by certain viruses, and they are usually eliminated from the body in less than 2 weeks. However, if the symptoms get worse later on, then the infection has formed, then you need antibiotics. In short, runny nose can be annoying for you, but it's a good sign. This shows that your immune system is still working properly.