Wind-Heat Invading the Lung
For a day or two they have had fever, a very red throat that hurts on swallowing, thirst, and yellow or green mucus and phlegm.
In plain words
For a day or two they have had fever, a very red throat that hurts on swallowing, thirst, and yellow or green mucus and phlegm.
A hot external agent enters through the nose and throat, the Lung's doorway, and it does so fast: that is why this starts abruptly and advances in hours, not weeks. Heat opens the pores instead of closing them, so there is usually some sweating and fever outweighs chills. By heating the fluids it thickens them: clear mucus turns yellow and sticky, and the throat reddens and swells. It is acute by definition; if it drags on or sinks inward, this is no longer the pattern.
Characteristic symptoms
- Fever more prominent than chills
- Intense, red and inflamed sore throat
- Dry cough or with yellow, viscous expectoration
- Yellow or green nasal discharge
- Dispersed or frontal headache
- Thirst and dry mouth
- Red eyes or sensation of heat in the face
- Sudden onset, rapid evolution
Key clues to recognize it
- Fever outweighs chills: the person wants to throw the covers off, not pile them on.
- The throat is red, swollen and painful on swallowing; it is the most constant sign here.
- Everything that comes out is yellow or green and thick, and there is thirst for cold drinks.
Tongue and pulse
- Tongue
- Tongue with red tip or edges; thin yellow coating
- Pulse
- Floating (fú) and rapid (shuò) pulse
Treatment principle
Disperse Wind-Heat, release the exterior of the body, relieve sore throat
Common points
Reference formula
Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder)
What not to confuse it with
What aggravates it
- Closed, crowded spaces during respiratory virus season.
- Alcohol, spicy food, fried food and very hot drinks.
- Sleeping little and keeping the usual routine instead of resting.
- Dry, hot air from central heating.
Lifestyle advice
Rest a lot and drink plenty of water or cooling teas: mint, chrysanthemum, elderflower. Eat light and fresh foods: light broth, white rice, fruit. Avoid alcohol, fried food and spicy food that increase heat. Ventilate the room. Early treatment prevents complications.
When to see a doctor
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
