Chronic Pharyngitis
Overview
Chronic pharyngitis, known in TCM as 'hou bi' (throat obstruction), is a chronic inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa and lymphoid tissue. Clinically it presents with dry throat, itching, pain, foreign body sensation, dry cough with little sputum, and burning discomfort; the course is protracted and recurrent. TCM holds that the disease is often caused by unresolved wind-heat, prolonged illness leading to yin deficiency with deficient fire flaming upward, emotional constraint with qi stagnation and phlegm coagulation, or spleen-stomach weakness with internal accumulation of phlegm-damp. The disease is located in the throat and closely related to the lung, kidney, liver, and spleen. Common patterns include lung-kidney yin deficiency with deficient fire, phlegm coagulation and blood stasis, and spleen-stomach weakness with phlegm-damp surging upward. Treatment focuses on nourishing yin and descending fire, transforming phlegm and dissipating nodules, and strengthening the spleen and draining dampness, combined with acupuncture, tuina, and lifestyle regulation to avoid spicy irritants and vocal overuse.
Pattern differentiation (clinical patterns)
Lung-Kidney Yin Deficiency with Deficient Fire Flaming Upward
Dry throat with mild pain and burning discomfort, worse in the afternoon, dry cough with scanty sticky sputum difficult to expectorate, hoarseness, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, heat in the palms and soles, red tongue with little coating, and a fine rapid pulse.
Nourish the lung and kidney, enrich yin and descend fire.
Phlegm Coagulation and Blood Stasis
Marked foreign body sensation in the throat with obstruction, dry throat without desire to drink, dark red pharynx with thickened mucosa or granular protrusions, chest oppression, dark red tongue with petechiae and thin greasy coating, and a wiry slippery pulse.
Transform phlegm and dissipate nodules, invigorate blood and benefit the throat.
Spleen-Stomach Weakness with Phlegm-Damp Surging Upward
Throat discomfort with copious sticky white sputum, chest oppression and nausea, poor appetite and abdominal distension, loose stools, fatigue and heaviness of the limbs, pale swollen tongue with teeth marks and white greasy coating, and a soft slow pulse.
Strengthen the spleen and harmonize the stomach, transform phlegm and drain dampness.
Connections
Daily care & prevention
Avoid spicy, fried, excessively hot, and irritating foods; quit smoking and alcohol; drink warm water frequently to keep the throat moist. Rest the vocal cords and avoid prolonged loud speech or vocal overuse. Maintain indoor ventilation and avoid dust and noxious gases. Gargle with mild saline or use throat lozenges. Exercise moderately to strengthen the body and prevent colds. Keep emotions smooth and avoid worry and anger. For marked dryness, consume pears, lily bulb, and white fungus to nourish yin and moisten dryness.
When to seek medical care
Seek prompt medical attention if there is severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, persistent high fever, progressively worsening foreign body sensation, blood-streaked sputum, persistent hoarseness, or hard enlarged cervical lymph nodes; these may indicate pharyngeal tumor or other serious conditions and require laryngoscopy for definitive diagnosis without delay.