Sore Throat

Pharyngitis, colloquially termed a sore throat, is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pharyngeal region, resulting in dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing. In allopathic medicine, bacterial etiologies such as Streptococcus spp. are often implicated, manifesting as erythema and edema of the pharyngeal tissues (World Health Organization, Pharyngitis Guidelines). Conversely, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) delineates three primary etiological patterns: Yin deficiency, toxic-heat stagnation, and dry heat, each contributing to the pathophysiology of pharyngitis (National Institutes of Health, Complementary Medicine Review). Both perspectives are substantiated by rigorous clinical research (Journal of Otolaryngology, 2020). Regulatory bodies like the FDA and USDA provide comprehensive guidelines for pharyngitis management and nutritional aspects, respectively.