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In cases of Chanhou Feng (Choked Throat Wind) and all other throat disorders, excessive removal of phlegm will inevitably lead to internal deficiency. This is similar to Yin-pattern Cold Damage (Yin Zheng Shanghan), requiring the use of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) with a small amount of Cinnamon Twig (Rougui) to guide fire back to its source (Dao Huo Gui Yuan), before treatment can proceed. White lips indicate an untreatable condition. Swelling of the head, face, and neck is not dangerous. However, if redness and swelling extend to the chest, it is difficult to treat because the toxic qi has attacked the Heart. (Original note: When redness and swelling extended to the chest, my father treated a guest surnamed Xie, who recovered after using Huxin San (Protect the Heart Powder) in the initial prescription. Without this, the toxin would return to the Heart, causing death from incessant laughter.) Absence of phlegm indicates an untreatable condition. Excessive removal of phlegm exhausts the spirit; although the illness may appear improved and diet normal, those unaware may think the patient has fully recovered, not realizing that relapse will occur shortly. A fine pulse signifies death. If delirium (Zanyu) has not yet occurred, urgent administration of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) can save the patient. Rapid breathing indicates an untreatable condition. Prolonged illness with chills and bone pain is untreatable. Chills lasting more than one day result in immediate death. Lips resembling the color of walnut meat are untreatable. Sauce-colored lips are also untreatable. If a patient sits with healthy individuals, appearing well-dressed as if disease-free, [E's commentary: The term "clothing" here is inappropriate; it should be changed to "complexion".] and one sees sticky phlegm like peach gum on the lips, accompanied by silence, death is imminent. Lips colored like vermilion lacquer, where the patient is mute, may recover speech within a day upon the physician's arrival. [E's commentary: This shares the same principle as Jinjing (Tendon Contraction).] Cases where chills and fever precede the onset of throat symptoms are extremely severe. Cases where chills and fever erupt simultaneously with throat symptoms are also severe, though they do not necessarily lead to death, referring specifically to sudden onset. [E's commentary: All throat disorders belonging to Yin Deficiency stem from the failure of Ministerial Fire (Xiang Huo) to remain submerged, leading to the dispersion of True Yin. Treatment should employ the Dao Long Gui Hai (Guide Dragon Return to Sea) method to attract the pathogen to its origin, which differs from ordinary throat disorders caused by wind-heat.]
Furthermore, throat disorders have two modes of onset: gradual and sudden. Gradual onset often leads to survival, while sudden onset often leads to death. Gradual onset is mild; sudden onset is severe. However, even sudden onset need not be fatal if treated promptly. Conversely, neglecting gradual onset often leads to death. This is a crucial general principle regarding throat disorders.