Tonsil Signs

Question 1

Swollen tonsils of a normal color

Answer 1

retention of Dampness or Phlegm occurring against a background of Qi deficiency

Question 2

Chronically red and swollen tonsils

Answer 2

Heat or Toxic Heat often in the Stomach and/or Large Intestine channel

Question 3

Acutely red and swollen tonsils

Answer 3

invasion of Wind-Heat with accompanying Toxic Heat

Question 4

Chronic redness and swelling of the tonsils that comes and goes

Answer 4

either chronic Heat in the Stomach and/or Large Intestine channel or Empty-Heat in the Lung channel

Question 5

Acutely red and swollen tonsils with exudate

Answer 5

invasion of Wind-Heat (as opposed to Wind-Cold), complicated by Toxic Heat in the Stomach and/or Large Intestine channel

Question 6

Greyish tonsils

Answer 6

acute stage of glandular fever (mononucleosis)