OBSERVATION OF THE THROAT AND NECK
CHANNELS INFLUENCING THE THROAT AND NECK
The pathways of the channels flowing through the neck are illustrated in Figure 10.1 and summarized in Box 10.1.
Fig. 10.1 Channels flowing through the neck
The symptoms and signs related to throat and neck are discussed in Chapters 59 and 62 respectively in Part 5.
THROAT
Redness on the throat
Symptoms and Signs, Chapter 59
By ‘throat’ here is meant not the inside of the throat (pharynx) but a redness on the skin outside.
Goitre
Interrogation, Chapter 36; Symptoms and Signs, Chapter 59
The most common cause of goitre is Liver-Qi stagnation with Phlegm, usually occurring against a background of Spleen-Qi deficiency. It may also be caused by Phlegm and Blood stasis, Liver-Fire blazing with Phlegm or Heart- and Liver-Yin deficiency with Phlegm (Fig. 10.2).
Fig. 10.2 Goitre
Observation of the pharynx
Symptoms and Signs, Chapter 59
To observe the pharynx, ask the patient to open the mouth; press the tongue down firmly with a disposable tongue blade, far enough back to get a good view of the pharynx but not so far as to cause gagging. Simultaneously ask the patient to say ‘ah’ or to yawn. Inspect the palate, the tonsils and the pharynx at this time (Fig. 10.3).
Fig. 10.3 Pharynx
