Cold & Allergyyānhóu zhǒngtòng

Sore Throat

Also called:Sore throatPainful throatThroat pain

From the TCM perspective: TCM 'hou bi' / 'ru e' (throat impediment/tonsillitis); throat, lung and stomach.

Overview

Sore throat is redness, swelling and pain of the throat with painful swallowing. The Zhubing Yuanhou Lun discusses 'throat impediment'. TCM usually attributes it to wind-heat, heat-toxin or stomach fire attacking upward, or yin-deficiency fire; located in the throat and related to lung, stomach and kidney.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Wind-heat invasion

Key distinguishing signs: Onset of dry burning throat with mild pain on swallowing, fever, slight chills, cough and congestion, red tongue tip, thin yellow coat, floating rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Dispel wind, clear heat and benefit the throat

Exuberant heat-toxin (suppurative tonsillitis)

Key distinguishing signs: Severe pain radiating to the ears, difficult swallowing, red swollen tonsils with pus spots, high fever, thirst, dry stool, dark urine, red tongue with yellow coat, forceful rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Clear heat, resolve toxin and cool blood at the throat

Stomach fire flaming upward

Key distinguishing signs: Sore throat with bad breath, swollen painful gums, dry mouth desiring cold drinks, ravenous appetite, constipation, red tongue with thick yellow coat, slippery rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Clear stomach fire and reduce swelling

Yin-deficiency fire (chronic pharyngitis)

Key distinguishing signs: Dry, mildly painful itchy throat with cough, worse in afternoon/evening and recurrent, heat in palms/soles, red tongue with little coat, fine rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Nourish yin, downbear fire and benefit the throat

Daily self-care

Drink warm fluids and gargle with warm salt water; avoid spicy or very hot food, alcohol, tobacco and overuse of the voice.
In the acute phase rest and use light soft foods; for wind-heat use chrysanthemum, honeysuckle or mint under guidance.
Keep rooms humid and avoid dust and irritant fumes; chronic cases should nourish lung yin.

When to seek medical help

The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:

Breathing difficulty, drooling, inability to open the mouth or marked voice change: emergency (possible airway compromise).
High fever, pus on tonsils, marked neck swelling or rash: prompt care.
Sore throat over one week or recurrent episodes: seek evaluation; suspected strep needs testing.

Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.

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