scholarly journals Outdoor Activity: Benefits and Risks to Recreational Runners during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aswar Makruf ◽  
Doni Hikmat Ramdhan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Physical Distance ◽  
The Body ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Strenuous Activity ◽  
Open Window ◽  
Upper Respiratory

Running has become one of the most popular recreational sports worldwide. It is an easily accessible form of exercise as there are minimal equipment and sport structure requirements. Aerodynamic simulation experiments showed a risk of droplet exposure between runners when two people run in a straight line at a close distance (slipstream). Thus, running activities require a safe physical distance of 10 meters to avoid droplet exposure, which can be a source of transmission of COVID-19 infection. However, running outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic is still often done in pairs and even in groups without wearing a mask. Open window theory stated that changes in the immune system occur immediately after strenuous physical activity. Many immune system components showed adverse changes after prolonged strenuous activity lasting more than 90 minutes. These changes occurred in several parts of the body, such as the skin, upper respiratory tract, lungs, blood, and muscles. Most of these changes reflected physiological stress and immunosuppression. It is thought that an “open window” of the compromised immune system occurs in the 3–72-hour period after vigorous physical exercise, where viruses and bacteria can gain a foothold, increasing the risk of infection, particularly in the upper respiratory tract. Outdoor physical activity positively affects psychological, physiological, biochemical health parameters, and social relationships. However, this activity requires clear rules so that the obtained benefits can be more significant while simultaneously minimizing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 infection.

scholarly journals Stimulating a Mature Body’s Defense System by Maintaining Physical Activity: A Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 904-905
Author(s):  
Mary Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Moderate Exercise ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract This review provides summary of research findings on the effects of exercise for changes in the immune system most associated with aging. Immunosenescence is identified as an immune dysregulation with aging that leaves an older adult susceptible to infections and a host of immune-related disorders. Extrinsic modulators of immunosenescence include pathogens, mental stress, nutrition, and exercise. Moderate short acute exercise over time enhances the immune system. Heavy exertion or prolonged exercise bouts may contribute to immunosenescence. In one study, a J-curve result was identified for upper respiratory tract infection. A moderate exercise workload was associated with a 40-50% decrease in upper respiratory tract infections while a 2-6-fold increase was identified among individuals consistently completing heavy exertion. Transient increases of the inflammatory markers of C-reactive protein and Interleukin-6 are noted after excessive exercise. The older adult should consider small increments of change in an exercise load to limit exercise-induced inflammation. These same inflammatory markers are chronically expressed in obese individuals in a resting state. Strategies to manage weight within recommended range to avoid obesity will limit activation of proinflammatory immune cells. In conjunction with physical activity, the lifestyle behaviors that most support immune system health include adequate sleep, nutrition, hydration, and avoidance of excessive alcohol intake. When planning a safe moderate exercise workload, additionally consider hygienic practices to lower transmission of pathogens. Transmission decreases with hand washing, limited hand-to-face contact, distance from large crowds or those with cough, avoiding spaces with poor ventilation and update vaccinations.

scholarly journals Modern possibilities of herbal medicine in the treatment of acute inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract

2021 ◽  
pp. 127-133
Author(s):  
A. V. Gurov ◽  
A. V. Muzhichkova
Keyword(s):  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
The Body ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Plant Materials ◽  
Pelargonium Sidoides ◽  
Medicinal Substances ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

The article provides data on the effectiveness of the use of the drug in the treatment of acute, chronic and recurrent diseases of the respiratory tract and ENT organs. The drug is an extract of Pelargonium sidoides. From the standpoint of modern pharmacology, it is known that the use of natural products based on plant materials ensures safety and the absence of pronounced side effects. The main active ingredients of pelargonium are phenolic compounds: coumarins, flavonoids and phenolic acids. The article details the biochemical and pharmacological properties of each of the above groups of compounds. It has been shown that the presence of several classes of phenolic compounds simultaneously contributes to the potentiation of the pharmacological effects of each group separately. Therefore, drug has a pronounced polytropic effect: antiviral, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, mucolytic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytoprotective. The article presents the results of numerous domestic and foreign randomized, placebo-controlled studies demonstrating its high efficacy and safety in the treatment of ENT diseases, upper respiratory tract infections and bronchitis, not only in adults, but also in children over 1 year old. On the basis of the analyzed and presented material, the authors concluded that the use of a natural-based drug in the treatment of acute respiratory infection is effective and safe, both as monotherapy and in combination with other medicinal substances. He is able to quickly eliminate not only the symptoms of inflammation, but also to support the body with any ailments of this type.

Physical Activity, Stress, and Self-Reported Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

2011 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 272-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELINOR FONDELL ◽  
YLVA TROLLE LAGERROS ◽  
CARL JOHAN SUNDBERG ◽  
MATS LEKANDER ◽  
OLLE BÄLTER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Tract Infection ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infection ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory

scholarly journals CoViD-19: An early intervention therapeutic strategy to prevent developing a severe disease as an alternative approach to control the pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
HAMID MERCHANT
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
The Body ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Holistic Treatment ◽  
Upper Respiratory

While we wait for a confirmed drug or a vaccine for CoViD-19, it may be possible to intervene early to prevent the virus causing a severe disease to offer an alternative therapeutic strategy to control the pandemic. The global burden of CoViD-19 on the healthcare system can be significantly reduced by targeting CoViD-19 patients with or without symptoms who are self-isolating at home or in quarantine. If any therapeutic support can be offered to this group of patients that could attenuate the virus within the upper respiratory tract during the early stages of CoViD-19, it can give the body the time to produce enough antibodies to recover naturally from the disease before progressing into severe disease. An early intervention can, therefore, prevent the virus to get down the lower respiratory tract, reduce the number of cases with severe disease involving pneumonia and the need for hospitalisation. This article presents a simple yet holistic treatment strategy that involves inhaling steam supplemented with essential oils possessing wide spectrum antimicrobial properties in conjunction with oropharyngeal sanitisation to all those who are CoViD-19 positive or are under self-isolation due to symptoms. The approach is very simple, cheap, and effective in relieving the symptoms of the disease and is likely to reduce the viral load in the upper respiratory tract that may help recover from the infection. Since there is no vaccine or treatment yet approved to prevent or treat the CoViD-19, the importance of early intervention is invaluable in reducing the global disease burden. In the authors opinion, this strategy may be very effective to nip the infection in the bud before it gets difficult to treat and therefore, have a potential to significantly reduce the CoViD-19 associated hospitalisation.

scholarly journals Whole Cell Euglena Gracilis Supplementation Reduces Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms in Healthy Adults (P19-009-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janaki Iyer ◽  
Paul Falcone ◽  
Kelli Herrlinger ◽  
Joanne Lasrado ◽  
Emily Pankow Fritz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Euglena Gracilis ◽  
Illness Severity ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Objectives Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) cause cold and flu-like symptoms, with roughly 70% of the general population experiencing at least one episode annually. The resultant lost productivity has a drastic impact with an estimated 40 M work or school days missed each year, translating to over $40B USD in lost potential. Certain populations, such as athletes and stressed workers are at an increased risk of URTIs. While diet, sleep, low stress and exercise are all important for a healthy functioning immune system, supplementation with natural ingredients could provide additional support. Euglena gracilis is a nutrient-rich natural microalgae (commonly consumed in Japan), containing immunomodulating beta 1,3-glucans, protein, some essential vitamins, and minerals. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study aimed at investigating the immunomodulating effects of a patented whole cell algae fermentate (WCF) in healthy active adults. Methods Thirty-four, healthy, active (1.5–3 hours/day of an aerobic sport, 5–6 days/week) participants were randomized to either WCF or placebo for 90 days. URTI symptoms were assessed Day (D) 1 to 90 using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey. Data are shown for the a priori defined per protocol population (n = 27). Results Participants supplemented with WCF reported a lower number of URTI symptoms from D1 to 30 (P = 0.042) and from D1 to 90 (P = 0.029), lower mean number of sick days between D1 and 30 (P = 0.047) and D1 and 90 (P = 0.041), lower mean number of URTI episodes per person (P = 0.032), and lower mean number of days with at least 1 reported URTI symptom per person (P = 0.019) between D1 and 90 compared to taking placebo. Evaluation of global illness severity found that the mean total AUC for daily symptoms was significantly lower in the WCF group compared to placebo at D1 to D30 (P = 0.043) and D1 to D90 (P = 0.049). Conclusions Supplementation with WCF positively influences the immune system by reducing URTI incidence, duration, and severity in healthy adults. It is noteworthy that in the absence of the intervention, active young adults reported more URTI episodes, sick days, and global illness severity, respectively. These data suggest the ability of WCF supplementation to strengthen the immune response as evidenced by reduced cold and flu symptoms. Funding Sources Kemin Foods L.C.

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