Is dry mouth and a sore throat a sign of excessive internal heat (fire syndrome)?
Disease description:
I always wake up with a dry mouth and throat every morning, which is very uncomfortable, and I feel like my skin is so dry it could crack. Is a dry mouth and throat a sign of excessive internal heat (fire)?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
Dry mouth and thirst may be related to excessive internal heat ("fire") in the body to some extent, but a comprehensive analysis involving multiple factors is required. Dry mouth and thirst are symptoms described in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that may be caused by various factors. From a TCM perspective, excessive internal heat typically refers to an imbalance between yin and yang within the body, resulting in excessive internal fire, which may lead to symptoms such as dry mouth and thirst. However, dry mouth and thirst can also be caused by other conditions, such as diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome, medication side effects, or psychological stress. Therefore, it is inaccurate to equate dry mouth and thirst simply with excessive internal heat. When experiencing symptoms of dry mouth and thirst, it is advisable to appropriately increase fluid intake, adjust diet and lifestyle habits, and pay attention to any accompanying symptoms. If necessary, timely medical evaluation should be sought.
