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Throat swelling and pain in children are invariably caused by the accumulation of heat-toxin and wind-phlegm stagnation in the chest, manifesting in the throat. Ancient methods prescribe Ganjie Tang (Licorice and Platycodon Decoction) for mild cases, consisting of only two herbs: Jiegeng (Platycodon Root) and Gancao (Licorice Root). For severe cases, Huadu Tang (Detoxification Decoction) is used as the main treatment (formula includes Jiegeng, Bohe/Mint, Jingjiesui/Schizonepeta Spike, Zhi Gancao/Honey-fried Licorice, Mangxia/Glauber Salt, Shandougen/Toona Sinensis Root Bark, Yaxiao/Niter, Pengsha/Borax, Zhusha/Cinnabar, Xionghuang/Realgar), decocted in water and taken orally. The medicine is also ground into powder and insufflated into the throat.
[Author's Note] The pharynx is the conduit of the Stomach, responsible for receiving food and fluids, located posteriorly. The larynx is the conduit of the Lung, responsible for respiration, located anteriorly. Regardless of whether the etiology is wind-phlegm or heat-toxin, and regardless of symptom severity, I believe that ancient methods of oral medication and insufflation should be preferred over modern ones. One should use only Bohejian (Mint tip), Zhebeimu (Fritillaria Thunbergii Bulb), Lianqiaoke (Forsythia Fruit shell), Danzhuyexie (Lophatherum Herb), and Sheng Gancao (Raw Licorice Root), decocted in water. Externally, use Shuang Baimei (White Plum preserved with frost), calcined to retain its character, combined with Pengsha (Borax) and Meihua Bingpian (Camphor from plum blossom source), insufflated into the throat, which is relatively stable and safe.
Furthermore, for infants under three years old, insufflation is inconvenient. Use only Yanzi Ni (Swallow's mud), finely ground and sifted, mixed with cold boiled water, and applied to the swollen area on the exterior of the throat. Even if there is no external swelling, apply it comprehensively to the exterior of the throat corresponding to the internal painful and swollen areas to resolve toxin and clear heat. Moreover, for cases with trismus (lockjaw), application opens the jaw immediately, allowing medication intake. If Swallow's mud is unavailable, use several sheets of burnt paper, moistened with distilled spirits, applied to the exterior of the throat, replacing whenever dry. This follows the principle of using heat to guide out heat; do not underestimate this method.

For Suohou Feng (Lock-throat Wind) in children, use fresh Furongye (Hibiscus Mutabilis Leaf), pounded into a paste, formed into two small cakes, one applied to the Fontanelle (Baihui region/anterior fontanelle) and one to the Umbilicus (Shenque), which will lead to recovery.
For unilateral or bilateral Hou'e (Tonsillar hypertrophy/thorn-like growths) in children, those arising above the throat gate are mild, while those below are severe. If this condition leads to throat closure for even a moment, it is incurable. Immediately examine the Tiger's Mouth (Hegu region between thumb and index finger) of both hands; if blisters are present, puncture them immediately with a silver needle, causing the tonsillar growth to rupture. Avoid exposure to lamp light. Simultaneously, apply a piece of pounded old garlic, size of a silkworm bean, to Jingqu Acupoint (located behind the Cunkou pulse at the wrist distal to the thumb), causing local ulceration. Apply to the left side for males and the right for females. Cover the right side with a clam shell and secure it; other coverings are acceptable. After a short while, a blister forms; puncture it with a silver needle, wipe away the fluid to remove toxic vapors, and immediate recovery ensues. Subsequent administration of Shanhou Yangzheng Tangji (Post-treatment Nourishing Righteousness Decoction) can permanently prevent recurrence.
For hoarseness of voice due to throat issues in children, use Chuanbei (Fritillaria Cirrhosa Bulb) and Kuandonghua (Adenophora Flower), each ground into fine powder, mixed with Hutao Rou (Walnut Kernel, peeled and ground fine) and Baimi (White Honey). Combine the four ingredients evenly, steam over rice until cooked, and form into pills. Contain one pill in the mouth each time, dissolving slowly; recovery occurs after several doses.
When an abscess arises externally on the throat in children, initially appearing above the Adam's apple on the neck, it is named Jiehou Yong (Adam's Apple Abscess). Appearing on both sides of the Adam's apple, it is named Jiajie Chuang (Flanking Adam's Apple Sore). In severe cases, it blocks the throat, preventing ingestion of liquids. If it ruptures and exposes the throat interior, it is difficult to treat. During the initial stage, internally administer decoction of Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit), Danzhuyexie, Jinyinhua (Honeysuckle Flower), Zhebeimu, Sheng Gancao, Sheng Bailuobo (Raw White Radish), and Sheng Qingguo (Raw Olive), drunk as tea. Externally, apply Kan Gong Ding (Kan Palace Plaster) rubbed with Pig Bile (Zhudan Huang) to reduce swelling.

For various bones stuck in the throat of children, unable to be vomited up or swallowed down, if the bone is small, use Jin Feng Hua Gen (Golden Phoenix Flower Root), crushed and decocted strongly with rice vinegar. Store in a bottle with a spout, let the child hold the spout in their mouth, inhale the medicinal liquid while looking upward, and swallow. The bone will descend. Crucially, ensure the teeth do not bite during swallowing. If the bone is large, take Gushu Ye (Mulberry Leaf), pound into a paste, extract the juice, and administer orally; the bone will naturally soften and pass.