Which patient would NOT typically be referred to a western physician?

A thick white coating on the tongue is often interpreted within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a sign of internal imbalances, such as dampness, phlegm, or heat in the body. TCM practitioners typically evaluate such a symptom in the context of the overall health of the individual, considering lifestyle, diet, and emotional factors. The thick white coating itself does not usually point to a condition that requires immediate referral to a western physician.

In contrast, options involving persistent canker sores, lesions in the throat, or white coating on the buccal mucosa can indicate underlying health issues that may need further investigation or treatment by a western physician. Persistent canker sores might suggest an autoimmune issue or persistent infection, while lesions in the throat could be indicative of serious conditions like infections or malignancies that warrant further medical assessment. White coating on the buccal mucosa may also suggest oral thrush or other infectious conditions, which are more commonly addressed in a western medical context. Thus, the nature and implications of these symptoms help clarify why the thick white coating on the tongue is not typically a reason for referral to a western physician.