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The researchers showed that the chances of the viruses entering the lungs directly were highly unlikely, even if someone inhaled the cough of a coronavirus patient. According to this
the process leading to the development of pneumonia can be divided into two parts: in the first stage, only the upper respiratory tract is infected, and then in the second stage, the viruses that multiply here and deepen from here cause pneumonia .
Based on the results of the study, the experts formulated what could be done early in the disease to prevent symptoms from getting worse. These precautions do not replace, but can complement, current protection measures, which are aimed at the first stage of the process – reads the announcement of the Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH) on Tuesday.
While they write One of the characteristics of a pandemic is that the course and severity of the disease vary greatly from one individual to another. The development of the disease largely depends on the location of the cells that have become infected with the new type of coronavirus. Typical mild symptoms, such as a cough or loss of smell and taste, indicate an upper respiratory infection. For pneumonia to develop, viruses must go much deeper.
Therefore, the researchers considered it important to look at where viruses end up when someone inhales air from the cough of a coronavirus patient. To answer this question, a computer model was used to determine the deposition of virus-carrying particles in the airways. Simulations have shown that it is highly unlikely that even a single virus will reach the depth of the lungs as a result of one breath, as most inhaled viruses adhere to the nasal cavity, oral cavity, and throat.
The researchers say this result is consistent with the clinical observation that the development of pneumonia is preceded by the appearance of upper respiratory symptoms. Based on all this, the process leading to the development of pneumonia can be divided into two parts: in the first stage only the upper respiratory tract is infected, and then, in the second stage, the viruses that multiply there cause pneumonia deep. “It also means that the viruses that cause serious illness when we enter our lungs do not come from another patient, but rather from our own upper airways. Therefore, viruses in our upper airways can infect not only the upper airways of other people, but also our own lungs.“- they point out.
According to the study, it is important to reduce the concentration of virus in the air so as not to aggravate the disease. “Because the virus concentration can increase with our own coughing, it is strongly recommended to cough into the tissue and ventilate frequently, even when we are alone at home. the risk of disease exacerbation can also be significantly reduced by any agent used in the upper respiratory tract that reduces the amount of virus directly on the mucosal surface. All this does not replace, but rather can complement, current control measures that seek to prevent the development of the first stage of the process, upper respiratory tract infection ”, the researchers point out.
More research is needed to better understand how viruses enter the lungs from the upper respiratory tract. According to the report, the researchers also want to look at how respiratory mode affects respiratory virus deposition. This can help to understand the spread of the virus between athletes and those who do heavy physical work.
Cover image: Getty Images
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