Are dry mouth and tinnitus signs of kidney yin deficiency?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Dry mouth is generally indicative of kidney yin deficiency. However, dry mouth and thirst may also result from lung yin deficiency due to phlegm-heat stagnation in the lungs, or stomach yin deficiency caused by damp-heat. To nourish yin, promote fluid production, clear heat, and reduce fire, traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu), Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Zhimu), Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong), and Adenophora stricta (Shashen) can be decocted in water for relief. If necessary, Chinese patent medicines such as Yangyin Qingfei Wan, Liuwei Dihuang Wan, or Zuogui Wan may be taken. For kidney yang deficiency, medications such as Yougui Wan or Jinkui Shenqi Wan can be used for treatment.
Tinnitus commonly occurs in daily life. Some patients experiencing dry mouth and tinnitus believe these symptoms are due to kidney yin deficiency. But are dry mouth and tinnitus really signs of kidney yin deficiency?
Are Dry Mouth and Tinnitus Caused by Kidney Yin Deficiency?
Dry mouth is generally associated with kidney yin deficiency, but it may also result from lung yin deficiency caused by phlegm-heat stagnation in the lungs or stomach yin deficiency due to damp-heat. To nourish yin, promote fluid production, clear heat, and reduce fire, traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonatum (Yuzhu), Anemarrhena (Zhimu), Ophiopogon (Maidong), and Adenophora (Shashen) can be decocted in water for relief. When necessary, Chinese patent medicines such as Yangyin Qingfei Pills, Liuwei Dihuang Pills, Er Miao Pills, or Zuo Gui Pills may be taken. For kidney yang deficiency, medications such as You Gui Wan or Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan can be used. It is recommended to use these medications under a doctor's guidance. If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment.
Symptoms of kidney yin deficiency mainly include dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, tinnitus, flushed face, hot palms and soles, irritability, insomnia, lower back pain, and nocturnal emission. Kidney yang deficiency may present with teeth marks on the tongue edges, pale complexion, aversion to cold and cold limbs, soreness and pain in the lower back and spine, frequent urination or urinary incontinence, nocturnal emission, impotence, loose stools with undigested food, or early-morning diarrhea. Sensorineural tinnitus is often bilateral, with high-pitched, intermittent sounds. The condition may involve lesions in one ear. Swelling in the neck or other neck diseases that compress the carotid artery can lead to ipsilateral tinnitus on the compressed side. This type of tinnitus is typically persistent, and its intensity may vary with body position.
Patients should avoid excessive water intake, quit smoking and drinking alcohol, engage in moderate exercise, maintain emotional balance, get adequate rest, and avoid fatigue and staying up late. We hope this article has been helpful to you. Wishing you a happy and healthy life!
