The Body's Response to Illness

To begin this investigation, it is first pertinent to consider how the body responds when it comes in contact with a foreign body or an environmental toxin. Monroe (2002) in her investigation of how the body responds to germs, bacteria and viruses notes that the body has several "defense lines" to protect itself from harm. The first line of defense is the skin. This skin forms an exterior barrier that will prevent toxins from entering the body. The second line of defense is the human body's immune system. When toxins enter the human body, the body responds by generating a host of chemical attacks that rid the body of disease. If the virus cannot be destroyed by the immune system and the toxin enters the bloodstream, the body will launch a cellular response in an effort to rid the body of disease. In addition, the body may also raise its temperature-creating a fever-in an effort to kill toxins that cannot live in temperatures above normal human body temperature.

What this data clearly suggests is that the body has a number of specific mechanisms that it utilizes to protect the body from physical harm. Through the implementation of these mechanisms the individual is able to remain healthy overall. Although a broad overview of the defenses of the body provides a precursory overview of the steps that the body takes in order to protect itself, in order to understand the specific responses of the body-i.e. sneezing, coughing or vomiting-it is helpful to consider each of these issues separately. Only by looking at each one of these defenses individually will a true explication of what is occurring in the body be elucidated.

Sneezing

Research on sneezing defines the process as "a sudden, forceful, involuntary burst of air through the nose and mouth" (Sneezing, 2005). Although sneezing can be annoying for the individual, this process is important because it protects the human body from environmental toxins. Sneezing is caused by irritation to the mucous membranes of the nose or throat" (Sneezing, 2005). These membranes become inflamed when they come into contact with something that is toxic to the body. In an effort to remove the toxin from the body, the sneezing reflex is initiated. In most cases, the sneeze forces the toxin out of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, preventing illness. Hence, even though sneezing can, at times, be annoying it serves a vital function for protecting the health of the human body.

Coughing

Coughing, much like sneezing, represents a general response of the body when it is confronted by environmental toxins. In an effort to keep the airway and lungs clear, the body engages the muscles necessary to produce coughing. Describing the coughing process in detail, Crisp (2006) observes that:

Coughing is a reflex action started by stimulation of sensory nerves in the lining of the respiratory passages - the tubes we use to breathe. When a person coughs, there is a short intake of breath and the larynx (the voice box) closes momentarily. The abdominal and chest muscles used for breathing contract, which in turn increases the pressure needed to drive air out the lungs when the larynx re-opens. The resulting blast of air comes out at high speed, scrubbing and clearing the airway of dust, dirt or excessive secretions (Coughing).

In most cases, the toxin having a negative impact on the body will be expelled through coughing. In general, researchers have identified two basic types of coughs: productive and non-productive. "A productive cough is one that brings up mucus. Mucus is also called phlegm or sputum" (Coughing, 2006). In both cases, the cough is designed to help the human body rid itself of environmental toxins.

Although coughing can help the body protect its overall health, researchers have also noted that a cough can be a signal for a more serious underlying disease (Coughing, 2006). In some instances a cough may develop with no other symptoms. This cough may remain despite treatment with over the counter cold remedies. When this occurs, the individual is being given a signal that something more serious may be wrong. In this instance, coughing can be the first symptom that leads the individual to seek medial treatment. As such, the cough can also improve human health by providing a critical warning signal that further medical intervention may be necessary (Coughing, 2006).

Watery Eyes

Watery eyes, tearing or epiphora also represent a common first line of defense for the human body. Researchers examining the process of tearing have noted that, "Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of the eye and to wash away particles and foreign bodies" (Tearing, 2005). As such, tears serve to vital roles in maintaining the health of the body. First tears keep the eye moist and allow it to function properly. Second, tears prevent environmental toxins from entering the eye and the human body. Thus, much like sneezing, which prevents toxins from entering the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, tearing prevents toxins from entering the eye. If excessive tearing is not a problem, the onset of this condition is more than likely due to the presence of toxins in the environment. As such, while the results of tearing may be uncomfortable for the individual, this physiological response is necessary to preserve both the health of the eyes and the health of the body (Tearing, 2006).

Fever

While sneezing coughing and watery eyes represent some of first lines of defense to keep toxins out of the human body, there are instances when viruses and bacteria find their way into the human body. When this occurs, the body may respond by initiating a fever. Of all of the mechanisms used by the body to fight infection, the fever is one of the most important and unique. Thus, a careful consideration of what occurs when the body initiates a fever is warranted.

As noted by the Mayo Clinic (2004) a fever is defined as an elevation in body temperature above the defined standard of 98.6^oF. Although a fever may be recorded at 99.6^oF the Mayo Clinic does note that some individuals with body temperatures above 98.6^oF may not experience the symptoms of a fever until their temperature reaches above the 100^oF mark. Further, the Mayo Clinic does note that most fevers in adults are not harmful as long as they do not reach above 103^oF. Beyond this point, a fever can cause permanent physical damage to the human body. A healthy fever-one that occurs between normal body temperature and 103^oF-is typically viewed as a benefit to the human body. As such, some medical professionals do not recommend reducing a fever because it can prevent the human body from effectively fighting an infection.

Defining the overall symptoms that are typically associated with a fever, the May Clinic goes on to report that while there is some variation in fever symptoms, depending on the cause of the fever, the general symptoms associated with a fever include: seating, shivering, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, dehydration and general weakness. Fevers over 103^oF can produce hallucinations, convulsions and irritability. In addition, high fevers can produce brain damage that can impair the ability of the individual to function. Physicians working with patients that have temperatures above 103^oF often take significant steps to reduce the fever.

Examining the specific events that occur in the body before the onset of fever, the Mayo Clinic notes that the hypothalamus, which is located at the base of the brain, sets the body's entire temperature. When foreign substances invade the body, chemical reactions signal the hypothalamus to set the temperature of the body at a higher level. Tracing the pathway for the development of a fever, the Mayo Clinic notes that when a fever starts, the body will respond by shivering. This is because the hypothalamus has created a new set point and the body believes that it is cold. This shivering occurs until the set point is reached. At this point, the body becomes hot and uncomfortable. When the infection subsides, the hypothalamus resets the body's temperature. In order to cool the body, profuse sweating is common.

As described by the Mayo Clinic, the development and resolution of a fever create considerable discomfort for the individual. However, this discomfort is necessary to enable the body to effectively eliminate toxins from the body. When the immune system determines the type of toxin present in the human body, it is able to discern if increasing body temperature will help rectify the situation. If this is indeed the case, chemical signals are sent to the hypothalamus to raise the body's temperature and destroy the toxin. Once the body has gained the upper hand on the toxin, the immune system again sends out a chemical signal to reset the body's temperature. Thus, the physical feelings that are produced in response to a fever are actually to the benefit of the individual. Without a fever, the body would not be able to overcome certain toxins. Hence, it becomes quite evident that the specific symptoms that are involved in the development of a fever have a clear purpose for protecting the overall physical health of the human body.

Nausea and Vomiting

Much like a fever, the onset of nausea and vomiting can produce uncomfortable physical symptoms for the individual. Researchers defining these two conditions have noted that: "Nausea is the sensation of having an urge to vomit. Vomiting is forcing the contents of the stomach up through the esophagus and out of the mouth" (Nausea and vomiting, 2006). These authors go on to note that much like sneezing removes toxins from the nose and coughing removes toxins from the lungs, vomiting removes toxins from the body's gastrointestinal system. Although nausea and vomiting can be related to the introduction of specific toxins into the body's system, research also shows that this reflex can be triggered by a host of issues (Nausea and vomiting, 2006).

Examining the specific pathway that is utilized in the process of vomiting, the following provides an overview of the overall process. "Vomiting is a forceful action accomplished by a fierce, downward contraction of the diaphragm. At the same time, the abdominal muscles tighten against a relaxed stomach with an open sphincter. The contents of the stomach are propelled up and out" (Nausea and vomiting, 2006). Not surprisingly, the signals that prompt vomiting come from a number of different sources in the body. These include: signals from the mouth, stomach and intestines; signals from the bloodstream; signals from the inner ear, which control balance; and signals from the brain itself, which processes unsettling sights and smells (Nausea and vomiting, 2006). What this suggests is that a number of stimuli can impact the body's decision to vomit. In some cases, the sight of another individual vomiting can prompt this reaction. Researchers note that in this case, "Sometimes, just seeing someone else vomit will start you vomiting, in your body's effort to protect you from possible exposure to the same danger" (Nausea and vomiting, 2006).

Here again, it becomes evident that while the body's response to gastrointestinal threats is not that pleasant for the individual, the reality is that the actions undertaken by the body represent a defense mechanism that will allow the body to remain healthy. Nausea can be an indication that the individual needs to make some environmental change in order to prevent vomiting. Vomiting, on the other hand, represents the body's response to a perceived environmental threat. Even if this threat is purely psychological in nature-as in the case of vomiting as a result of witnessing the act-it is one that is clearly aimed at protecting the body from the threat of environmental toxins.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea may also accompany nausea and vomiting. In many instances, the body's efforts to remove toxins from the gastrointestinal system are augmented by the development of diarrhea. This condition, which is defined as the presence of "loose, watery stools occurring more than three times in one day" is quite common (Diarrhea, 2003). In most cases, the presence of toxins in the gastrointestinal system forces the body to push more water through the large and small intestines. When this occurs, stool becomes softer and more watery. While this process ensures that the body is able to rid itself of gastrointestinal toxins, it can produce dehydration if not addressed in a timely manner (Diarrhea, 2003). In most cases however, diarrhea typically resolves in one or two days, making it more of a nuisance for the individual than a serious health threat.

Overall the symptoms of diarrhea include: "Diarrhea may be accompanied by cramping abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or an urgent need to use the bathroom. Depending on the cause, a person may have a fever or bloody stools" (Diarrhea, 2003). Diarrhea can be both acute-short term due to a virus or intestinal parasite-or chronic-lasting more than four weeks. When diarrhea lasts for more than four weeks, this symptom is usually indicative of a much larger more serious medical condition. "Chronic diarrhea lasts more than 4 weeks and is usually related to functional disorders like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel diseases like celiac disease" (Diarrhea, 2003). What this effectively suggests is that when diarrhea is not directly linked to efforts at cleansing the body over the short-term, it can provide valuable insight into larger medical problems. This function is similar to the one that occurs in the development of a chronic cough.

Conclusion

Synthesizing all of the information that has been provided in this investigation, it becomes evident that the body's response to physiological health threats is one that is quite well developed and coordinated. The body, sensing the presence of a foreign body is not only able to identify where the toxin is, but also can initiate the correct response for removing the toxin from the body. When examined in this context, it becomes quite clear that the body's responses to toxins have clear and calculated precision. Thus, when an individual suffers from a fever or vomiting, some realization of the defenses that the body has put into motion to protect itself should be acknowledged. In most cases, when an individual becomes ill, he or she cannot appreciate the specific steps taken by the human body in an effort to protect itself. However, when these issues are examined more closely, it becomes evident that the human body has developed a unique set of defenses to ensure the survival of the individual.

Clearly, the realization that a fever is helping during a time of illness is not comforting to the individual. However, this information is critical when making a decision on how to treat the individual. In many cases, the body's natural response to environmental toxins represents the best defense that modern medical science can offer. This is why it is so critical for individuals to listen to the signals produced by their body. When individuals pay closer attention to the signals of the human body, the true importance of reactions such as fevers and vomiting become more apparent. Without these innate and natural reflexes the human body would not be able to effectively protect itself from environmental threats.

In the end, the presence of reactions such as sneezing and fevers clearly elucidates the complexity and sophistication of the human body. Because of these complex mechanisms-which are often recorded as nuisances by the individual-the human body is able to maintain overall health. Interestingly, the body undertakes these actions with no conscience response from the individual. Rather, the human body operates on a level that is principally unconscious to the individual. Without some of these basic responses however, the human body would not be able to survive. As such, the complex system that allows these interactions to occur is truly magnificent.

References

Crisp, S. (2006). Coughing. Net Doctor. Accessed April 16, 2006 at: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/cough.htm.

Coughing. (2006). National Institutes of Health. Accessed April 16, 2006 at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003072.htm.

Diarrhea. (2003). National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Accessed April 16, 2006 at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diarrhea/.

Fever. (2004). Mayo Clinic. Accessed April 16, 2006 at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fever/DS00077.

Monroe, J. (2002). Influenza & Other Viruses. Bloomington, MN: Capstone Press. This text provides and overview of the specific mechanisms by which various organisms, bacteria and viruses enter the body. Monroe provides a comprehensive overview of the systems used by the human body to prevent illness. In addition a comprehensive review of the body's defenses once foreign toxins have entered the human body is also presented.

Nausea and vomiting. (2006). National Institutes of Health. Accessed April 16, 2006 at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003117.htm.

Sneezing. (2005). National Institutes of Health. Accessed April 16, 2006 at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003060.htm#Common%20Causes.

Watery eyes. (2005). National Institutes of Health. Accessed April 16, 2006 at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003036.htm.