Some people suffer from a rather bothersome problem that ends up causing embarrassment: excessive salivation. This problem has another lesser-known name used in medicine: sialorrhea1. It can be the result of various health issues, such as mouth irritations, canker sores, and even poorly fitted dental prostheses. These are factors that can be easily resolved. Within a few days, the situation can be remedied.
However, there are situations in which sialorrhea is a consequence, such as with people who have some mental impairment or suffer from certain neurological disorders, like cerebral palsy. In these cases, sialorrhea does not occur due to an increase in saliva production, but rather due to difficult neuromuscular control. This condition can be reversed through physical therapy, or even reparative therapeutic surgery, obviously depending on the patient’s effort. The problem is observed when the person has difficulty keeping saliva inside the mouth. The liquid then drips out uncontrollably.
Sialorrhea can also be linked to problems with swallowing or an excessive production of saliva. Both situations require further investigation for a more precise diagnosis. Patients who struggle with this may risk inhaling the excess saliva or bits of food into the lungs, which can lead to choking. In the case of babies who tend to drool a lot, don’t worry, as this is a natural part of their development and teething. However, if the situation worsens and continues beyond the expected age, it is best to consult a pediatrician. Excess saliva in babies and children can also be caused by respiratory issues, nasal allergies, stomatitis, and cases of tonsillitis, which may present with fever and difficulty swallowing2.
Sialorrhea During Pregnancy – Is It Normal and What To Do?
Sialorrhea may also occur during pregnancy, especially in the first months. This is directly associated with morning sickness and frequent vomiting, which are very common symptoms of pregnancy. That is why pregnant women may feel like their mouth is always full of water, or rather, saliva, causing difficulty swallowing3. The real cause has not yet been discovered, but the medical field relates this to psychological and hormonal factors. The increased production of saliva during pregnancy tends to gradually disappear over the months.
There are some ways to reduce and relieve the discomfort of sialorrhea during pregnancy, such as eating several small meals throughout the day, which makes swallowing easier. Reducing intake of foods high in starch, such as bread and potatoes, and acidic foods, like cucumber, also helps decrease saliva production and reduce discomfort. That’s why it’s important to double your attention to diet during this period. Also, just like in children, during pregnancy sialorrhea can be caused by oral inflammations, stomach problems, throat infections, and reflux issues, as well as being a symptom for those taking medications like Clonazepam and Potassium Chloride.
Solving the issues mentioned above should resolve the problem. If sialorrhea is solely due to pregnancy, the symptoms will typically disappear as the months pass, usually by the end of the first trimester. If the increased saliva production persists, talk to your obstetrician. They will assess the situation and refer you for appropriate treatment if necessary.
See also: 20 Symptoms of Pregnancy – Understand Each of Them!
Photo: HappyHeartPhotography2, george ruiz
