Relationship Between Cerebrospinal Fluid and Catarrh According to Avicenna

Abstract

Context: A postnasal drip (PND) or catarrh refers to the drainage of secretions from the paranasal sinuses or nose into the posterior nasal space and the oropharynx. A history of pharyngeal or postnasal mucus build-up may be at odds with the lack of other physical findings and the absence of systematic clinical data. The physiological basis and suitable treatments for PND have been insufficiently recorded in the medical literature. However, Iranian traditional medicine (ITM), which has a history of thousands of years, has discussed in detail the causes, origins, complications, and treatment of catarrh. Communication and cooperation between conventional and traditional medicine can lead to positive steps in solving the ambiguities related to catarrh. The present paper examines the origin of catarrh according to Avicenna and compares it with that described in conventional medicine. Evidence Acquisition: In this study, we examined a major resource of ITM, the Qanoon fi al-teb (The Canon of medicine), by Avicenna and the writings of prominent ancient scholars and physicians on the origins of catarrh. PubMed and Google scholar were also searched for information on PND and catarrh, and they were compared with the catarrh in ITM. Results: Physicians of ITM believe that the main substance in catarrh is discharged from the brain and that it is a connection between the brain and nasopharyngeal space. New scientific findings also confirm the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and catarrh, in common with that described by Avicenna thousands of years ago. Conclusions: Catarrh is a serious condition and requires more investigation. It is hoped that a joint study of conventional and traditional medicine can elucidate different aspects of catarrh.

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“…Prominent medieval scientists, such as Razi (Rhazes; 865-925 AD), Ali Ebn Abbas (Haly Abbas; 949-982 AD), Ibn Sina (Avicenna; 980-1037 AD), and Jorjani (Sorsanus; 1042-1137 AD), significantly influenced the improvement of Iranian medical science. The texts of Al-Qanoon fi al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine) by Avicenna, Al-Hawi (The Continens) by Rhazes, Zakhireh Kharazmshahi (the Treasure of Kharazmshah) by Sorsanus, and Kitab-al Maliki (Liber Regius) by Haly-Abbas were central to western medical science from the 13th to the 19th century [14]. The TPM is a holistic medicine that relies heavily on the concept of temperament for maintaining health and treating diseases [15].…”