Obese Mice More Likely To Die Of Influenza Infection

A study suggested that obese people may be more likely to die of influenza infection.

In the study, 35 mice were fed a high-fat, high sugar diet for five months making them 37 percent heavier than 35 mice fed a regular diet high in carbohydrates. The obese mice had a body fat percentage of 31 percent in comparison to 21 percent in the regular mice.

After influenza infection at five months, the obese mice had significantly less capability of coping with influenza infection. As a result, 40 percent of the obese mice died while only 4 percent regular mice died of influenza infection. Its believed that obesity impairs the immune response that is needed for controlling influenza infection.

Although the study was conducted on mice, "Numerous marked alterations seen in the mice's immune response suggest that the growing obese population is at increased risk for immune dysfunction during influenza infection, which may lead in humans, as it did in the mice, to increased mortality," Dr. Melinda A. Beck, the principal investigator, was quoted as saying in a news release by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The study was conducted by Dr. Meinda A Beck and Alexia Smith from UNC School of Medicine. The results were presented on April 2 at an American Society of Nutritional Sciences scientific meeting in San Diego.

Dr. John Roberts is a freelance writer for http://foodconsumer.org. Contact him at foodconsumer@spamarrest.com if you have any questions.

Sinus Pressure: Infection Next?

One of the symptoms of sinus infection is sinus pressure infection. This happens when irritants enter to our body through the nose, thus if becomes severe the tendency therefore sinus membrane becomes irritated causing it to swell. Due to the swelling the sinus passages becomes constricted that result to blockage and congestion. Blockage causes the confined air, puss and mucus in the sinus cavities.

There are four pairs of sinus cavities: - Frontal sinuses this is located above the eyes in the forehead region - Maxillary sinuses found on either side of the nostrils in the cheekbones - Ethmoid sinuses located behind the bridge of the nose and at the base of the nose between the eyes - Sphenoid sinuses is found behind the ethmoid sinuses and the eyes.

Each of these sinus cavities contains an aperture called the ostium that opens out into the nasal passages for the exchange of air and mucus. These sinus cavities have mucous linings that continue up to the mucous linings found in the nasal passages. And with these linings there are cell called the cilia that shift the mucous from the sinus cavities and allows them to drain down into the nasal passages. If there are trapped air and secretions in the obstructed sinus cavity that may cause pressure in the sinus wall and this can result to extreme pain during a sinus attack.

Sinus infection and allergic reaction are some of the causes of sinus pressure. Sinus infection is caused by either virus fungi or bacteria. And if introduced to the nasal membranes, these pathogens can cause irritation in the membrane that causes the sinuses to swell. Due to the swelling the air, mucus, and pus can get trapped inside the sinus cavity and causes pressure to build inside. Allergic reaction to molds, pollen, dander, air pollution and dust is also a leading cause of irritation and swelling which can result to sinus pressure.

We denied that sinus pressure infection caused by infection of the sinuses can be really painful and troublesome. The causes of sinus infection cannot be totally eradicated but at least there are ways in which attacks can be lessened. In cases wherein sinusitis or sinus infection is the cause of sinus pressure infection, persons suffering from this condition can use decongestants, antibiotics, pain relievers and nasal sprays. For the cases wherein the cause is allergic reaction you must consult your doctor and do some tests in order to determine which particular element triggers the attack thus be able to avoid the said substance.

Marlon D. Ludovice

Actually Im not fond of writing, I dont even write at all. I am not expecting to be in this field. But nevertheless, I love to read books...almost everything interest me. Reading is my passion! And now that I am in an article writer team, writing gives me an additional thrill in myself...Before I love to read books but now Im also in a writing stuff. I can say that I am not a good writer but I am always trying to be one.

For additional information and comments about the article you may log on to http://www.sinusinfectionproblems.com

jona@sinusinfectionproblems.com