Abstract
Sialorrhea, also known as hypersalivation, is a condition characterized by excessive saliva production. This condition can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, medications, or psychological factors. Sialorrhea can cause difficulties with speech, swallowing, and oral hygiene, and can lead to social embarrassment. Treatment strategies vary depending on the cause of sialorrhea but can include medications, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions. This review article will discuss the etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of sialorrhea.
Introduction
Sialorrhea, also known as hypersalivation, is a condition characterized by excessive saliva production.1 It is estimated that sialorrhea affects up to 10% of the general population and is more common in children and the elderly.2,3 It can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, medications, or psychological factors.4 Sialorrhea can cause difficulties with speech, swallowing, and oral hygiene, and can lead to social embarrassment.5 Treatment strategies vary depending on the cause of sialorrhea but can include medications, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions.6 This review article will discuss the etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of sialorrhea.
Etiology
Sialorrhea can be caused by many different medical conditions, medications, or psychological factors.7 Medications that can cause sialorrhea include antipsychotics, anticholinergic medications, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants.8 Neurologic conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis can also lead to sialorrhea.9 In addition, psychological factors such as anxiety and stress can cause sialorrhea.10
Clinical Presentation
The clinical presentation of sialorrhea can vary depending on the underlying etiology.7 Patients with sialorrhea may experience difficulty with speaking, swallowing, or oral hygiene due to the excessive saliva production.11 They may also experience social embarrassment due to the visible drooling.11 Additionally, patients with sialorrhea may experience pain or discomfort in the mouth and throat due to the accumulation of saliva.12
Treatment
The treatment of sialorrhea depends on the underlying etiology.13 For medications that cause sialorrhea, a change in medication or dose reduction may be needed.14 Neurologic conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis may require physical therapy, exercise, and medications to reduce saliva production.15 For psychological factors such as anxiety and stress, counseling and lifestyle changes may be needed.16 Other treatments that may help reduce saliva production include acupuncture, hypnosis, and biofeedback.17 Additionally, surgical interventions such as salivary duct ligation and submandibular gland excision may be necessary in severe cases.18
Conclusion
Sialorrhea is a condition characterized by excessive saliva production that can cause difficulties with speech, swallowing, and oral hygiene. It can be caused by many different medical conditions, medications, or psychological factors. Treatment strategies vary depending on the cause of sialorrhea but can include medications, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions.
References
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