In modern medicine, chronic laryngitis refers to inflammation of the larynx that persists for more than three weeks. It develops from various causes beyond simple viral infection, among which gastroesophageal reflux disease, postnasal drip, and chronic stress are cited as main culprits. Connecting these modern causes with the wisdom of Donguibogam reveals remarkable commonalities.
From the perspective of modern medicine, 'lung-kidney yin deficiency' and 'deficiency fire flaring upward' described in Donguibogam are deeply linked to chronic dehydration, chronic inflammation of the mucosa, and autonomic nervous system imbalance. Continuous stress leads to hyperactivation of the sympathetic nerve in our body, which can reduce salivary gland secretion and make the throat dry. Just like the 'yin qi deficiency' spoken of in Donguibogam, the body’s moisture disappears. Furthermore, sympathetic activation accelerates gastric acid secretion and lowers gastrointestinal motility, worsening reflux esophagitis. When gastric acid refluxes and irritates the laryngeal mucosa, chronic inflammation—that is, 'deficiency fire flaring upward'—occurs, causing a foreign body sensation in throat and hoarseness.
Additionally, chronic stress disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and increases the secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol. While these hormones may initially seem to suppress inflammation, when chronified, they weaken the immune system and can conversely trigger a systemic inflammatory response. The laryngeal mucosa is extremely vulnerable to such inflammatory reactions, swelling easily, becoming sensitive, and developing dryness and pain. This shares the same context with 'deficiency fire' activating inside the body to cause inflammation, as described in Donguibogam.
The concept of 'spleen deficiency generating phlegm' can also be interpreted modernly. When the laryngeal mucosa is continuously irritated by chronic inflammation, allergic reaction, or reflux esophagitis, mucus secretion increases excessively, causing a 'foreign body sensation' as if something is stuck in the throat. This becomes the reason thick mucus clings to the vocal cords or larynx, causing voice changes or throat clearing. In addition, vagus nerve dysfunction affects not only gastrointestinal motility but also mucus secretion, potentially worsening these symptoms.
Ultimately, the various causes of chronic laryngitis in modern medicine are the internal cries of imbalance: the dysfunction of the lung, kidney, and spleen, along with deficiency fire flaring upward, as discussed in Donguibogam. Beyond simply treating localized inflammation, regaining balance in the whole body through stress management and lifestyle improvements is crucial for overcoming chronic laryngitis.
