Sialorrhea
Sialorrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Sialorrhea, more commonly known as drooling, is a common condition caused by the overproduction of saliva. It usually affects infants and young children but can also occur in adults and is more common in people who have medical conditions that affect the mouth, throat, and jaw. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of sialorrhea.
What is Sialorrhea?
Sialorrhea is the excessive flow of saliva from the mouth. It occurs when the salivary glands produce more saliva than is necessary or when the mouth can't swallow the saliva quickly enough. It can be caused by a number of things, including medical conditions, certain medications, and neurological disorders. In some cases, sialorrhea can also be a side effect of certain treatments, such as radiation therapy.
Causes of Sialorrhea
The most common cause of sialorrhea is a medical condition called hypofunctional oral motor control. This occurs when the muscles around the mouth, throat, and jaw are weakened or impaired. This can be caused by conditions like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, or a stroke. It can also be caused by certain neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.
Other causes of sialorrhea include medications that cause dry mouth, allergies, anatomical abnormalities in the mouth or throat, smoking, and excess alcohol consumption. In some cases, sialorrhea can also be a side effect of certain treatments, such as radiation therapy.
Symptoms of Sialorrhea
- Excess drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty speaking
- Coughing or gagging while eating
- Bad breath
- Choking or aspiration
Treatment of Sialorrhea
The treatment of sialorrhea depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is a medical condition, medications may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms. In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to help strengthen the muscles in the mouth, throat, and jaw. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct any anatomical abnormalities in the mouth or throat.
Other treatments may include speech therapy, which can help teach strategies to swallow saliva more easily. Biofeedback techniques can also be used to help strengthen the muscles in the mouth, throat, and jaw. Finally, anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed if the condition is anxiety-related.