Syndrome differentiation and treatment
1. Syndrome of yin deficiency of the lung and kidney
Main symptoms and signs: The throat is dry with cauma or pain which is prolonged without cure and will worsen after the patient is tired physically and speaks a lot. The patient has itching pharyngx, and scanty sputum which is not easily expectorated as well as the habit of clearing his throat by uttering "keng" and "ka". Examination shows dark red pharyngeal mucosa with dryness or atrophy. There exist zygomatic flush afternoon, asthenic dysphoria with less sleep, flaccidity and aching pain of the waist and knees as well as feverish sensation of palms and soles. The tongue is red with scanty fur and the pulse is thready and rapid.
Therapeutic methods: Tonifying the lung and kidney, nourishing yin and promoting body fluid generation.

2. Syndrome of qi deficiency of the lung and spleen
Main symptoms and signs: Dryness and pain of the pharyngolarynx or with foreign body sensation which are prolonged without cure and will worsen after physical tiredness, scanty pharyngeal sputum, swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa with pale colour as well as hyperplasia of lymph follicles of the posterior pharyngeal wall discovered during examination, general symptoms of short breath with disinclination to speak, lassitude, hyperdynamia, loose stool and anorexia, pale enlarged tongue with dental marks and pale fur, thready and weak pulse.
Therapeutic methods: Strengthening the lung and spleen, diminishing swelling and relieving sore throat.

3. Syndrome of internal accumulation of phlegm and heat
Main symptoms and signs: Cauma and pain of the pharyngolarynx or with foreign object sensation, yellowish or whitish profuse sputum which is not easily expectorated and often causes severe cough, deep red pharyngeal mucosa, hyperplasia of lymph follicles of the posterior pharyngeal wall and marked chronic red swelling of the lateral pharyngeal bands, thirst, constipation, yellow stool, reddish tongue with yellowish greasy fur, slippery and rapid pulse.
Therapeutic methods: Clearing away heat and purging fire, resolving phlegm and relieving sore throat.