Respiratory System Disorders and Therapy From a New - Louis Bolk ...

sense we discussed for pneumonia (section 3.2.5.), in which the dissolving tendency of the
inflammatory process is emphasized. A pulsating pain often accompanies acute sinusitis.
This symptom suggests an increased awareness in the sinus region, which demonstrates
that nerve-sensory processes also play a role.
Sinusitis has the tendency to become chronic. In that case, greenish-yellow thick mucus is
excreted as an expression of the localized bacterial infection, reminiscent of the sputum
produced in pneumonia. However, there is not much fever, and exacerbations and
remissions determine the course of the disease in which a typical chronic, headache-like
pain dominates the picture. In chronic sinusitis, a consolidating tendency that we know
from asthma becomes a leading factor. Due to its localization in the head, chronic sinusitis
is comparatively more influenced by nerve-sensory processes than other chronic infectious
disease.
Acute sinusitis could be seen as a “mild pneumonia in the head.” Chronic sinusitis could
be seen as a “mild asthma in the head.”
4.2. Colds, Flus, and Otitis Media
Acute colds, the flu, and otitis media have dynamic qualities that resemble those of
acute sinusitis. There is an acute infection with mucus production, exudate, and a low
fever lasting only a couple of days. There are some nerve-sensory traits that manifest, for
example, in a sore throat.
Here, again, a certain tendency to become chronic with exacerbations and remissions goes
hand in hand with their localization in the head. In chronic colds and otitis, the chronicity
of the condition is generally related to hyperactive mucus membranes.
The common cold, acute otitis, and the flu could be seen as a “mild pneumonia of the
upper airways.” Chronic pharyngitis and otitis could be seen as a “mild asthma of the
upper airways.”
Bolk’s Companions RespiRatoRy system DisoRDeRs anD theRapy - 55