From Fernand Widal rhinitis syndrome and chronic sinusitis to total muco-ciliary disease.

It is claimed that 25% of the total population show symptoms of a muco-ciliary chronic sinusitis, presenting as a posterior catharrh that can be confirmed by computerized tomography and by prolonged sinuso-nasal saccharine clearance. This manifestation of the mucus ciliary transport syndrome may be associated with other disorders (rhinitis, otitis, bronchitis, irritable colon, sterility and dextrocardia). The role of aspirin and intolerance to other drugs or chemicals especially anti-inflammatory drugs, has been implicated. Acid air pollution may play a part, as the respiratory mucus does not tolerate an acid pH. Alkaline aerosols and theophyllin which activates cilia mobility, usually increase mucus fluidity and facilitate its clearance from the sinuses.