bubble_chart Concept

Uvular prolapse refers to the symptom of the uvula becoming elongated due to swelling. Shiyi Dexiao Fang refers to it as "Emperor's Bell Wind," and it is also known as "hematoma of uvula."

bubble_chart Pattern Analysis

1. Fire Toxin Invading Internally︰The uvula is elongated, red, swollen, and painful, especially noticeable when swallowing, with dryness in the oropharynx, a preference for cold drinks, epigastric distension and discomfort, belching, fetid mouth odor, dry stools, yellow urine, sticky and greasy tongue coating, and a slippery, rapid pulse. The throat is connected to the stomach. Due to accumulated heat in the spleen and stomach, which stagnates in the blood aspect and rises to the throat, or habitual consumption of spicy and scalding foods that damage the blood vessels, forcing blood to extravasate and stagnate without dispersing, the uvula becomes red, swollen, and excessively elongated, or blood blisters may form. Treatment should focus on clearing heat and removing toxins, subduing swelling to relieve pain. Prescriptions such as Coptis Detoxification Decoction, Miraculous Pill of Six Ingredients, or Diaphragm-Cooling Powder can be used. For external treatment, the blood blister can be gently punctured, and Borneol and Borax Powder can be applied locally.
2. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis︰The uvula is slightly elongated, with a small bulbous tip resembling a tiny cauliflower, not red. There may be a sensation of a foreign body when swallowing. Appetite is normal, and bowel movements are regular. The tongue appears dark with thin coating, and the pulse is choppy. This is caused by the invasion of pathogenic toxins, prolonged stagnation, and obstruction of the meridians, leading to qi stagnation and blood stasis. Treatment should focus on promoting blood circulation, removing stasis, subduing swelling, and dissipating bind. The prescription is Sanjie Tang with modifications, and externally, raw Typha powder is applied by blowing.

Uvular prolapse caused by the invasion of fire toxin is a real heat fire pattern, with an acute onset, red and swollen uvula, and severe pain; if it is caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis, the course of the disease is long, with a ball-like growth on the uvula and mild or no pain. Clinically, there are also cases with no obvious local or systemic symptoms, but only a diffusely swollen and elongated uvula, which is mostly due to kidney yin deficiency, and should be treated with sweet and cold herbs to nourish yin.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Shiyi Dexiao FangVolume 17: "The Emperor suffered from apoplexy, and immediately a long swelling appeared in his throat, some several inches long. For deficiency and excess, the aforementioned medicine was used, externally with calcined salt, dipped with a crow's feather, and it would dissipate immediately. There was no need to puncture it, as puncturing would harm the person."