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Swelling and pain in the throat are termed Hou Bi (Pharyngitis). Ancient practitioners generally used Gan Jie Tang (Licorice and Platycodon Decoction) as the primary formula. However, there is a distinction between deficiency fire and excess fire, as well as between Jin Hou Feng (Tight Throat Wind) and Man Hou Feng (Slow Throat Wind), which must be carefully examined.

In cases of deficiency fire, the throat appears pale with slight swelling, urination is clear and free, the pulse is deficient and fine, and appetite is reduced. This is caused by excessive mental exertion, leading to Spleen Qi deficiency failing to protect the middle jiao, allowing deficiency fire to easily flare upwards. This is internal injury fire, termed Man Hou Feng (Slow Throat Wind), representing a deficiency syndrome. If pain worsens in the morning, it belongs to Yang deficiency; Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) added with Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit), and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) should be used. If pain worsens in the afternoon, it belongs to Yin deficiency; Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) added with Jie Geng (Platycodon Root) and Xuan Shen (Scrophularia Root) should be used. If ineffective, Gui (Cinnamon Twig) and Fu Zi (Aconite Lateral Root) must be added as guiding agents, or Jia Jian Ba Wei Tang (Modified Eight-Ingredient Pill) added with Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) should be used. If the pulse is rapid with heat, Liu Wei Tang (Six-Ingredient Decoction) should be used. Furthermore, sore throat due to cold in the middle jiao should be treated with Ban Xia Gui Gan Tang (Pinellia, Cinnamon, and Licorice Decoction); cold-natured medicines must not be mistakenly administered.

In cases of excess fire, caused by excessive consumption of strong wine and rich foods, combined with wind-fire accumulated heat, fire agitation generates phlegm, leading to sudden onset of swelling and pain. In severe cases, wind-phlegm obstructs the airway, preventing the intake of liquids and loss of voice. This is external fire, termed Jin Hou Feng (Tight Throat Wind), representing an excess syndrome. It is appropriate to administer Deng Wo You (a type of plant oil) and Jiang Shui (fermented rice water) via gavage to guide out phlegm and saliva. Alternatively, Tu Niu Xi (Cyathula Root) can be mashed and mixed with vinegar for gavage. Or, puncture the swollen and red areas to release toxic blood. Or, blow Jin Suo Chi Powder (Golden Lock Key Powder) into the throat until the throat gradually loosens, allowing food intake and voice production, then stop. Jia Wei Gan Jie Tang (Modified Licorice and Platycodon Decoction) is suitable. If heat is severe, San Huang Jie Du Tang (Three Yellows Detoxification Decoction) should be used concurrently. The proverb "watching Hou Bi like a running horse" refers to this urgency. Any case where throat swelling is not pricked for blood, throat wind does not induce expectoration, throat abscess is not drained, and ru e (tonsillar hypertrophy) is not needled open, are all improper methods. Additionally, chronic coughing from labor damage causing throat injury and voice loss has no curative treatment.

Chan Hou Feng (Entangling Throat Wind) presents with throat swelling and pain, distension and blockage, with red filaments winding around, hence the name Chan Hou Feng. In severe cases, swelling extends externally, making the neck resemble a snake entanglement. Induced vomiting should follow the methods described above.

Chan She Hou Feng (Entangling Tongue Throat Wind) presents with a stiff tongue root and ulceration on both sides. Wash the area with a wool pen dipped in Licorice Water, and blow Liu Hua San (Willow Flower Powder) into the lesion.