After drinking the traditional Chinese medicine, I feel throat pain.
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Some traditional Chinese medicines may be irritating, and direct contact with the throat can cause pain and discomfort. For example, herbs such as Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), dried ginger (Zingiberis rhizoma), and Fuzi (Aconiti lateralislateralis praeparata) have a bitter and pungent taste after decoction. When consumed, they may irritate the throat and oral mucosa, leading to pain and discomfort. Patients can drink some warm water after taking the herbal medicine to reduce residual medication in the mouth and throat, thereby alleviating the pain.
In general, experiencing a sore throat after drinking traditional Chinese medicine may be related to local irritation, drug allergy, acute laryngitis, or other causes. Patients can manage the condition through daily care, oral medications, and other methods. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Local Irritation
Certain traditional Chinese medicines may be irritating, and direct contact with the throat can cause pain and discomfort. For example, herbs such as Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) and dried ginger or Aconite (Fuzi) may have a bitter and pungent taste after decoction. When consumed, they may irritate the mucous membranes of the throat and mouth, leading to pain and discomfort. Patients can drink some warm water after taking the medicine to reduce residual medication in the oral and pharyngeal areas, thereby alleviating the sensation of pain.
2. Drug Allergy
Some patients may have allergic reactions to active ingredients in certain herbal medicines, which can cause symptoms such as throat discomfort, sore throat, and swelling after ingestion. In more severe cases, patients may take antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine maleate tablets or loratadine tablets under medical supervision to relieve symptoms.
3. Acute Laryngitis
If a patient develops acute inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa due to pathogenic infection, local irritation, or excessive voice use, symptoms such as hoarseness, sore throat, and breathing difficulties may occur. Taking herbal medicine may further irritate the inflamed laryngeal mucosa, worsening the pain. In such cases, patients should follow medical advice and may take medications such as penicillin V potassium tablets or roxithromycin tablets for treatment.
Besides the above-mentioned causes, sore throat may also be associated with viral colds, acute tonsillitis, or other conditions. If symptoms persist without improvement, patients should temporarily discontinue taking the herbal medicine and seek medical attention at a hospital.
