Question

Unfortunately the rhinovirus manages to penetrate your first line innate defences and you become infected with the virus. The infection is localised to the upper respiratory tract. A few days later you develop cold symptoms. Your nose is stuffy and runny due to the mucous membranes that line your upper respiratory tract being inflamed. Explain how the process of inflammation aids in the immune response against this virus?

Answer 1

The body's inflammatory response to the rhinovirus infection, which causes the common cold, aids the immune system by bringing more immune cells to the affected area, increasing blood vessel permeability to allow easier movement of these cells, and leading to mucus production that helps to trap and remove pathogens.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the rhinovirus responsible for the common cold infects the upper respiratory tract, the immune system initiates an inflammatory response. This response facilitates the battle against the virus in several ways:

• Increased blood flow to the affected area brings more immune cells to combat the virus.
• The permeability of blood vessels is enhanced, allowing immune cells to enter the affected tissue more easily.
• Fluids carrying immune elements flow into the tissue, contributing to symptoms like a runny and stuffy nose.

The inflammation of the mucous membranes leads to the production of mucus, which helps to trap and expel pathogens. While these symptoms can be bothersome, they represent the body's efforts to eliminate the infection. The cold symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, and sneezing are not only signs of infection but also serve to expel viruses from the body to limit the spread of infection.