What should I do if I have a sore throat and ear pain due to "heatiness"?
Disease description:
Recently, due to the pandemic, the school has been under lockdown. Staying on campus, I haven't been sleeping well and feel a bit overheated ("shang huo"). After waking up, I noticed some soreness in my throat and left ear. I'd like to know what I should do for sore throat and ear pain caused by "shang huo".
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
When experiencing sore throat and ear pain caused by excessive internal heat (commonly referred to as "fire" in traditional Chinese medicine), the following measures can help alleviate symptoms:
1. Dietary adjustment: It is recommended to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as bitter melon, wax gourd, and celery, which have properties of clearing heat and detoxifying the body, thus helping to reduce internal heat. Additionally, drinking plenty of water or适量consuming green tea, chrysanthemum tea, etc., can accelerate metabolism and help eliminate toxins from the body.
2. Medication: If symptoms are severe, consider using herbs such as honeysuckle or indigo naturalis that clear lung heat, or heat-clearing and fire-purging medications such as Niuhuang Shangqing Pills or Niuhuang Jiedu Pills. These medications can effectively relieve sore throat and ear pain caused by excessive internal heat.
3. Lifestyle adjustments: Avoid eating spicy, greasy, or irritating foods. Maintain good indoor ventilation and a pleasant mood, which also helps relieve symptoms of excessive internal heat.
By implementing the above measures, sore throat and ear pain caused by excessive internal heat can be effectively alleviated. Patients with concerns are advised to seek timely medical consultation.
