Hypersalivation

Hypersalivation
Classification and external resources
DiseasesDB	20764
MedlinePlus	003048
eMedicine	ent/629
MeSH	D012798

Hypersalivation (also called ptyalism^[1] and sialorrhea^[2] ) is excessive production of saliva. It has also been defined as increased amount of saliva in the mouth, which may also be caused by decreased clearance of saliva.^[3]

Hypersalivation can contribute to drooling if there's inability to keep the mouth closed or in difficulty in swallowing the excess saliva.

Contents 1 Causes 1.1 Excessive production 1.2 Decreased clearance 2 Treatment 3 References

Causes

Excessive production

Conditions that can cause saliva overproduction include:^[3]

• Pregnancy
• Excessive starch intake
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, in such cases specifically called a water brash, and is characterized by a sour fluid or almost tasteless saliva in the mouth^[4]
• Pancreatitis
• Liver disease
• Serotonin syndrome
• Mouth ulcers
• Oral infections
• Schizophrenia

Medications that can cause overproduction of saliva include:^[3]

• clozapine
• pilocarpine
• ketamine
• potassium chlorate
• risperidone

Toxins that can cause hypersalivation include:^[3]

• mercury
• copper
• organophosphates
• arsenic

Decreased clearance

Causes of decreased clearance of saliva include:^[3]

• Infections such as tonsillitis, retropharyngeal and peritonsillar abscesses, epiglottitis and mumps.
• Problems with the jaw, e.g. fracture or dislocation
• Radiation therapy
• Neurologic disorders such as myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, rabies, bulbar paralysis, bilateral facial nerve palsy and hypoglossal nerve palsy.

Treatment

Hypersalivation is optimally treated by treating or avoiding the underlying cause.^[3] Mouthwash and tooth brushing may have significantly drying effects.^[3]

References