What should be done for a child's sore throat caused by "internal heat"?
Disease description:
While cooking, my child ran over and said his throat hurt. I took a look and noticed that his throat was slightly red, seemingly caused by excessive internal heat (fire). I'd like to know how to deal with a child's sore throat caused by excessive internal heat.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
When children experience sore throat caused by excessive internal heat (commonly referred to as "fire" in traditional Chinese medicine), the following measures can be taken to alleviate and treat the condition:
1. Dietary adjustment: Avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods. Increase the intake of light, cooling foods such as fruits including pears and pomelos, and vegetables such as Chinese cabbage and celery. These foods help clear internal heat and relieve sore throat.
2. Hydration: Encourage children to drink plenty of water to maintain adequate fluid intake, which helps alleviate throat dryness and pain.
3. Medication: If symptoms are severe, heat-clearing and detoxifying medications may be used under a doctor's guidance. These may include traditional Chinese herbs such as honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and forsythia (Forsythia suspensa), or proprietary Chinese medicines such as Pudi Lan Xiao Yan Oral Liquid (Lonicera and Isatis Root Oral Solution) and Lan Qin Granules.
4. Rest and sleep: Ensure children have sufficient rest and sleep, and avoid overexertion, which helps the body recover.
Parents are advised to seek timely medical consultation if they have any concerns.
