Also often called "plum-stone" or "plum-pit" (梅核, Méi Hé) syndrome or "globus hystericus" in modern medicine, the main characteristic of Qi-Phlegm is a feeling of something caught in the throat that can neither be swallowed nor ejected.

It is the result of a situation that affects the patient emotionally so much that they figuratively and physiologically cannot swallow it.

As a result the Lungs and Stomach lose their ability to move Qi downward. This, in turn, leads to problems with the transportation and transformation of Body Fluids, which leads to the formation of Phlegm. The Phlegm clashes with the Qi and ultimately lodges itself in the throat.

The obstruction of the Qi mechanism by Phlegm is also manifested in the stifling sensation in the chest. In severe cases, there will also be coughing or vomiting.