Syndrome differentiation and treatment
The commonly-seen syndromes of abnormal patency of eustachian tube include two types, qi deficiency of the spleen and blood stasis due to qi stagnation. The syndrome of qi deficiecy of the spleen is characterized by longer course of illness, pale complexion, poor food intake,pale tongue and thready pulse; the syndrome of blood stasis due to qi stagnation by the manifestations of abnormal patency of eustachian tube, inapparent general symptoms and deep purple tongue. Treatment should be promoting qi flow and activating blood.

1. Syndrome of qi deficiency of the spleen
Main symptoms and signs: The patient has valvular sensation inside the ear and can hear his own magnified voice. The patient is reticent and has longer course of illness, pale complexion, dizziness, fatigue, scanty food intake, pale and enlargened tongue with white or greasy fur, thready and weak pulse.
Therapeutic methods: Invigorating qi and nourishing blood, raising the lucidity and removing obstruction of orifices.

2. Syndrome of blood stasis due to qi stagnation
Main symptoms and signs: The patient has tinnitus like blowing wind which occurs as he breathes. There exists intra-aural distending pain which is marked when the patient blows his nose. Examination of the tympanic membrane sees the tympanic membrane flapping inwards and outwards as the patient breathes. The patient has
deep purple tongue with pale fur and unsmooth pulse.
Therapeutic methods: Promoting qi flow and blood circulation, removing blood stasis to remove obstruction of orifices.