Can “shanghuo” (excessive internal heat) cause pharyngitis?

When it comes to “excess internal heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept), I believe most people are quite familiar with it. This condition is extremely common in daily life and affects nearly everyone—elderly individuals, children, and women alike. Although it is not a serious illness, it still warrants your attention. So, can “excess internal heat” cause pharyngitis?

Can “Excess Internal Heat” Cause Pharyngitis?

Yes, “excess internal heat” may lead to pharyngitis. Whether caused by an imbalance of Yin and Yang in the spleen and stomach or by abnormal flow of Lung Qi, “excess internal heat” can arise. Once generated, this excessive heat travels through the meridians and manifests in the throat as redness, swelling, and pain. To address this condition effectively, it is essential first to identify the underlying cause, pathogenesis, and affected anatomical site. If the condition stems from hyperactive Stomach Fire, Qing Wei San (a classical herbal formula for clearing Stomach Heat) may be prescribed. If Lung Fire is the culprit, Xie Bai San (a formula for clearing Lung Heat) may be used for regulation. During treatment, patients should maintain a light diet and drink plenty of water.

Pharyngitis is primarily categorized into two types: acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis. Acute pharyngitis is mainly caused by viral or bacterial infections. Chronic pharyngitis, on the other hand, typically develops when acute pharyngitis fails to receive effective treatment—leading to prolonged illness—or when the infection spreads from adjacent structures such as the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, trachea, or bronchi. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), “excess internal heat” may contribute to sore throat and other symptoms resembling pharyngitis; thus, patients experiencing such symptoms should seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital.

Patients are advised to avoid greasy, spicy, and irritating foods in their daily lives. We hope this information proves helpful to you.