What causes hoarseness after drinking traditional Chinese medicine?
Jan 28, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
In general, hoarseness after taking traditional Chinese medicine may be caused by individual differences, drug irritation, drug allergy, colds, pharyngitis, or other reasons. It is recommended to take medication under the guidance of a doctor. If any physical discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is advised. In daily life, self-medication should be avoided to prevent adverse effects and harm to health.
In general, hoarseness caused by drinking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may result from individual differences, drug irritation, drug allergy, colds, or pharyngitis. It is recommended to take medication under the guidance of a doctor. If physical discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is advised. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Individual Differences
Each person has a unique genetic makeup, which determines their physiological characteristics and responsiveness to external stimuli. Some individuals may be inherently more sensitive to certain components in TCM, making them more prone to adverse reactions such as hoarseness. If no other symptoms of discomfort are present, special treatment is usually not required.
2. Drug Irritation
If taking TCM containing alkaloids, volatile oils, glycosides, resins, or similar ingredients, these substances may irritate the throat area, leading to inflammation, swelling, or other abnormalities that can cause voice hoarseness. Symptoms may be relieved by switching medications or adjusting dosages.
3. Drug Allergy
If allergic to any component of the ingested TCM, an allergic reaction may occur, manifesting as rashes, erythema, urticaria, or other discomforts. Additionally, allergic reactions often involve inflammation, which can lead to vasodilation, congestion, and swelling in the throat. These changes may directly affect vocal cord function, resulting in hoarseness. Under medical supervision, antiallergic drugs such as loratadine tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution, or promethazine hydrochloride tablets may be used for relief.
4. Cold
A cold refers to acute inflammation of the nasal passages, pharynx, or larynx, commonly associated with low immunity, viral infections, or bacterial infections. Symptoms may include coughing, runny nose, headache, and sneezing. During illness, respiratory mucosa becomes congested and swollen, impairing normal vocal cord function and causing hoarseness. Therefore, hoarseness after taking TCM might actually be due to a cold. Under medical guidance, antiviral oral liquid, Lianhua Qingwen capsules, or Ganmaoling granules may be used for treatment to achieve symptom relief.
5. Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is an inflammatory response affecting the mucous membranes of the pharynx and surrounding lymphoid tissues, often accompanied by local pain, burning sensation, redness, and swelling of the throat. During flare-ups, damage to the throat mucosa may increase nerve sensitivity in the area. When TCM ingredients come into contact with injured mucosa, they may cause pain or irritation, leading to hoarseness. Treatment should follow physician instructions and may include medications such as Qinghou Liyan granules, azithromycin capsules, or amoxicillin capsules.
In daily life, self-medication should be strictly avoided to prevent adverse outcomes and harm to health. Additionally, it is recommended to consume foods rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients—such as eggs, lean meat, tomatoes, apples, etc.—to supply necessary energy and help maintain overall health.
