Wet feet cannot directly lead to SARS, but they cause a malfunction of the immune system and, as a result, can lead to the development of a cold. INVITRO therapist Ivan Romasov told socialbites.ca about this.
According to the expert, the feet need an intense blood supply. Normal skeletal muscle tone, normal functioning of vessels and their valves ensures the physiological return of venous blood to the heart. When cooled, the blood vessels in the feet gradually narrow, a certain amount of blood flows back from the skin tissues into the (already cooled) bloodstream to reduce heat transfer and stabilize body temperature, exacerbating vasospasm.
“The local spasm with more blood flow turns into a systemic spasm – the capillaries and blood vessels begin to narrow everywhere, including the capillaries of the nasal mucosa. The mucous membrane of the nasal cavity produces mucus, which acts as a defense against infections – about 10% of all microorganisms that we breathe in remain on the mucous membrane. At the same time, spasm of the capillaries of the nasal mucosa leads to a decrease in the work of the ciliary epithelium, which plays an important role, the main task of which is the discharge of mucus from the nasal cavity into the nasopharynx. prevention of respiratory tract infections. In the intestines, the immune system recognizes microorganisms in the mucus and synthesizes antibodies specific to this particular infection. Without proper “swallowing”, mucus in the nasal cavity forms “snot”, impairing the immune system and leading to infections. Thus, the risk of SARS increases sharply, ”explained the doctor.
However, getting wet feet does not immediately lead to such consequences, he said. Prolonged exposure to “moisture” is required to significantly cool the legs and initiate a series of events. But some factors can accelerate and aggravate the effect: for example, a cold wind with wet feet quickly causes hypothermia and cold.
The therapist added that most importantly, the consequences of such hypothermia are people suffering from chronic diseases: heart failure, kidney and liver diseases, immunodeficiencies, diseases of the ENT organs and bronchopulmonary system, the therapist added.
If your socks get wet, the first step is to replace your socks with dry ones and change or dry your shoes as soon as possible.
“If this cannot be done right away, you should try to prevent a systemic consequence – hypothermia. To do this, it is enough to drink a little hot drink (tea or broth) to raise the general temperature. It is best to avoid alcoholic beverages to warm up, because when drinking alcohol, after a short time dilation of blood vessels, after a while they spasm. with even greater force, which aggravates hypothermia,” stressed the doctor.
When you find yourself in a warm room, it should not be too dry as it leads to a decrease in mucus production in the nasal cavity. A humidifier will help you deal with this.
“Hot baths, baths and saunas help to warm up, but these “wellness” procedures initially only warm the skin, it takes a long time for the effect to become “systemic”, so it is much more effective to warm up first. by drinking a hot beverage. If you are still hypothermic, remember that the main thing is to stay warm. Healthy and full sleep, rest and peace will help prevent the development of colds, ”said the therapist Romasov.
Formerly socialbites.ca Wrote about diseases that are easiest to catch in public places.