Hypersalivation is a disease that is accompanied by increased salivation in the patient's mouth. As a rule, it occurs most often by increased activity of the salivary glands. Similar symptoms can occur both in the evening or at night, and in the morning or daytime. This disease is considered the norm for babies aged 3 to 5 years. If the symptoms begin to bother a person at an older age, then it is a cause for concern.
Why does hypersalivation occur?
You can detect a disease such as hypersalivation by increased saliva production. It should be understood that increased salivation in a person at any age may indicate the presence of very serious problems with the health of the oral cavity or even the whole organism as a whole. It is also worth noting that hypersalivation can be both true and false. If, with a false form, it only seems to a person that more saliva is secreted than expected, then the true one can have more serious consequences. This disease can develop for reasons such as:
- Stomatitis or periodontitis, when the patient has pain when in contact with the affected surface.Injuries of the oral cavity, as well as other tumor or inflammatory processes.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including peptic ulcer of the stomach.
- Pregnancy, especially when it is accompanied by pronounced toxicosis.
- ENT - diseases when a person experiences difficulty in nasal breathing.
- Poisoning, both food and non-food.
Also, the development of hypersalivation can cause side effects, which are often found when taking many medications. The appearance of such problems is influenced by iodine-containing drugs, some groups of neuroleptics, barbiturates, etc.
Diagnosis of hypersalivization
As a rule, experiencing problems with increased salivation, most patients seek help from dentists or a general practitioner. However, even the most qualified doctor is unable to make an accurate diagnosis without additional tests and examinations. Any consultation begins with a thorough examination of the patient's oral cavity. The following examinations will help to establish an accurate diagnosis:
- Saliva analysis, in the results of which it is necessary to determine the number of fatty acid metabolites.
- General clinical examination, which allows to exclude inflammatory and infectious processes.
- An instrumental method that includes ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, CT and MRI of the brain, as well as radiography.
Also, in some cases, it may be necessary to conduct additional electroneuromyography, in which the functions of peripheral nerves are examined.
Treatment of hypersalivization
Having received reliable results of all necessary examinations, a qualified specialist selects a course of therapy in accordance with the individual characteristics of the course of the disease. The treatment process usually includes:
- Drug treatment, in which pills and injections are prescribed.
- Facial massage, this therapy is especially effective for patients who have had a stroke.
- Physiotherapy, which includes exposure to cold, which allows you to normalize the swallowing effect.
- Radiation therapy, in which the death of one of the parts of the salivary ducts is carried out.
In addition, botulinum toxin is often used to treat hypersalivation. Its introduction helps to reduce the production of saliva while maintaining the achieved effect for about 3-6 months after the procedure.
