The disease is called "Meiheqi" (globus hystericus) in TCM. When the liver qi stagnates or phlegm forms due to asthenia of the spleen, phlegm and qi will intermingle with each other to obstruct functional activities of qi, giving rise to the disease. The is the main pathogenesis of the disease.

The commonly-seen syndromes of pharyngeal paraesthesia include two types: qi stagnation due to depression of the liver and obstruction of phlegm intermingled with qi. Qi stagnation due to depression of the liver is characterized by thoracic and hypochondriac distension and fullness as well as susceptibility to sighing. Treatment should be soothing the liver to remove depression. Obstruction of phlegm intermingled with qi is marked by profuse pharyngolaryngeal sputum which cannot be expectorated.