What medicine works best for a sore throat caused by excessive internal heat?
Apr 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
The throat refers to the pharynx. Sore throat and symptoms of excess internal heat might be caused by factors such as consumption of spicy foods, insufficient water intake, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, or herpangina. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's instructions regarding medication. Treatment might include drugs such as Cefalexin Granules, Penicillin V Potassium Tablets, Qing Hou Li Yan Granules, Ribavirin Granules, or Pudi Lan Xiao Yan Oral Liquid, which could be effective.
Generally speaking, there is no specific medication that works best for sore throat caused by "heatiness." The throat refers to the pharynx. Sore throat caused by "heatiness" may result from spicy diets, insufficient water intake, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, herpangina, and other causes. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice and take medications such as Cefalexin Granules, Penicillin V Potassium Tablets, Qinghou Luyan Granules, Ribavirin Granules, or Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid as directed by a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Spicy Diet
Consuming excessive amounts of spicy foods such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns can irritate the pharyngeal mucosa due to components like capsaicin. This irritation can cause vasodilation, congestion of the mucosal blood vessels, and exudation of tissue fluid, leading to sore throat. Usually, medication is unnecessary. In daily life, one should limit intake of spicy foods and consume more bland foods rich in vitamins, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and apples.
2. Insufficient Water Intake
When the body lacks sufficient water, metabolism can be affected, and the mucous membranes in the throat may gradually lose moisture, becoming dry and fragile. This reduces their ability to resist external irritants, making inflammation and sore throat more likely. Generally, no medication is required. It is important to develop the habit of drinking water regularly, aiming for 1500–2000 milliliters per day, including plain water or light tea.
3. Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is often caused by viral or bacterial infections. After invading the pharynx, pathogens multiply extensively in the mucous membranes, irritating and damaging them, causing congestion and inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, which leads to sore throat. Symptoms often include fever and headache. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Cefalexin Granules, Penicillin V Potassium Tablets, and Roxithromycin Dispersible Tablets may be used for treatment.
4. Acute Tonsillitis
Acute tonsillitis is primarily caused by infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. When the body's immunity decreases, bacteria multiply rapidly and invade the tonsillar crypts, triggering an inflammatory response. Inflammation causes redness, swelling, and pain in the tonsils, resulting in sore throat. Symptoms may also include chills and headache. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Qinghou Luyan Granules, Compound Gardeniae Fructus Granules, and Liushen Pills may be used for treatment.
5. Herpangina
Herpangina is caused by enterovirus infections, such as Coxsackievirus A or Enterovirus 71. After infecting the throat, the virus replicates extensively in the mucous membranes, forming vesicles that rupture into ulcers, stimulating nerve endings and causing severe throat pain. Symptoms may also include drooling and refusal to eat. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Ribavirin Granules, Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid, and Lanqin Oral Liquid may be used for treatment.
In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet and consuming adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables can help strengthen immunity and reduce the likelihood of heatiness.
