1. Syndrome of qi stagnation due to depression of the liver
Main symptoms and signs: There exists foreign object sensation like the plum pit or the lump which cannot be swallowed and spat out in the pharyngolarynx. In severe cases, the patient even feels asphyctic and unbearable. But the foreign object does not affect feeding. The patient often has mental depression, more misgivings and suspicion as well as thoracic tightness, hypochondriac distension, vexation, irascibility, susceptibility to sighing, or epigastric and abdominal distension and fullness. The pulse is taut.

2.  Syndrome of obstruction of phlegm intermingled with qi
Main symptoms and signs: There exists foreign object sensation in the pharyngolarynx. The patient often feels profuse sputum which cannot be expectorated, or has cough, whitish sputum, lassitude of limbs, anorexia, epigastric and abdominal distension and fullness, enlarged tongue with whitish greasy fur as well as slippery pulse.