Why does saliva accumulate in the mouth? Hypersalivation or excessive salivation in humans: causes and how to get rid of the unpleasant phenomenon

Hypersalivation is a pathological condition characterized by increased secretion of the salivary glands. So, in children under six months of age this is considered normal and does not require any special treatment. On the other hand, hypersalivation in adults is a rather serious disease, which not only worsens the quality of life, but also brings discomfort. In this article we will look at this pathology in more detail.

general information

Salivation is known to be a normal process. Thus, approximately 2 mg of saliva is released every 10 minutes. However, in some cases, so-called hypersalivation may occur.

This pathology is popularly known as increased salivation. The causes in adults can be very different, ranging from oral diseases to serious neurological disorders.

It is also important to note that some patients perceive a normal amount of saliva as increased. Most often this occurs due to impaired swallowing function. In this case, a person simply cannot swallow saliva completely, and it constantly accumulates in the oral cavity. In fact, there is no need to talk about serious pathology here. Doctors call this hypersalivation false.

Primary symptoms

Saliva is constantly produced by special glands. The therapeutic norm is the production of liquid in the amount of 2 ml in approximately ten minutes. in adults it can only be alarming when volumes exceed the 5 ml mark. In this case, there is too much liquid in the mouth, so there is a reflexive desire to swallow it.

Quite often, doctors associate this kind of problem with an inflammatory process in the oral cavity and various injuries to the tongue. In this case, the feeling of an abundance of fluid is false, since salivation is within normal limits.

The same sensations, not justified by dysfunction of the glands in the oral cavity, can occur in patients suffering not from neurological or dental problems, but susceptible to so-called obsessive states.

Quite rarely, hypersalivation is accompanied by a change in taste sensations (too strong or weak sensitivity). Some patients experience increased salivation and nausea at the same time.

Why does this pathology occur?

In a healthy person, saliva is secreted as a response to the aroma of food; it also has nerve endings on the oral mucosa. Maximum irritation causes, accordingly, profuse salivation. For example, the more pleasant the smell, the faster your appetite flares up. The gastrointestinal tract thus communicates that it is ready to “work.”

Types of disease

Drug hypersalivation. Most medications (for example, Nitrazepam) that affect salivation provoke the development of xerostomia.
A psychogenic type of disease, which also entails increased salivation. The reasons for the development of this pathology in adults remain unknown. Sometimes drooling becomes so profuse that patients have to constantly carry a handkerchief with them.
Hypersalivation with bulbar or Saliva is usually thick, and its volume can be up to 900 ml per day.
Excessive drooling in patients with cerebral palsy is explained by dysfunction of the oral muscles.

Increased salivation during pregnancy

As you know, a woman’s body undergoes various changes during pregnancy, including at the hormonal level. According to experts, it is in the early stages that many women notice the primary signs of hypersalivation.

Most often, this problem accompanies toxicosis. It is important to note that in some cases, hypersalivation is not associated with actual activation of the salivary glands. The thing is that a woman is constantly trying to suppress attacks of nausea and vomiting, thereby she begins to involuntarily swallow less often. As a result, there is a feeling that there is actually more saliva than there should be.

Often, increased salivation during pregnancy is somewhat aggravated by attacks of heartburn. In this case, the body conditionally receives a signal to soften the acid with saliva, which, due to its high bicarbonate content, is classified as an alkaline environment.

Sometimes hypersalivation occurs due to the same factors as in ordinary adults. In this kind of situation, pregnant women are advised to inform their doctor about this in order to rule out obvious causes of the problem.

Severe nocturnal hypersalivation

During sleep, as is known, the work of the glands responsible for the production of saliva slows down somewhat. However, it also happens that the secret begins to be produced before the person finally wakes up. All this entails spontaneous drainage of liquid from the mouth of a sleeping person.

If such cases are rare, then there is no reason to worry. However, regular recurrence of this problem requires consultation with a specialist.

Doctors note that in some cases, during sleep, the body loses control over reflexes. This also leads to increased salivation.

Hypersalivation can occur due to certain diseases that cause nasal congestion (ARVI, influenza). As a rule, increased salivation disappears after the final disappearance of the main cause - difficulty breathing.

Diagnostic measures

Diagnostics in this case involves the following steps:

Collecting a complete medical history (when the primary symptoms appeared, the presence of concomitant diseases, etc.).
Life activity analysis. The thing is that the hereditary factor often plays a primary role in the occurrence of such a pathology as increased salivation. The causes in adults often lie in the abuse of bad habits (for example, smoking).
A detailed examination of the oral cavity for ulcers or other lesions of the mucous membrane.
Enzymatic analysis of saliva itself.
Additional examination by a dentist, psychiatrist and neurologist to identify possible indirect causes.

What should the treatment be?

We can talk about prescribing therapy only after the final identification of the cause that led to the development of hypersalivation. First of all, you need to seek advice from a therapist. After examination and medical history, he will be able to recommend a specialist.

Depending on the root cause, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment. In this case, it is not the hypersalivation itself that is eliminated, but the main factor that provoked its development. This may be dental, neurological or gastroenterological treatment.

How to get rid of increased salivation? In particularly critical situations, as a rule, specific therapy is prescribed that acts directly on salivation itself, namely:

Taking anticholinergic drugs (Riabal, Scopolamine, Platifillin). These drugs suppress excessive saliva secretion.
Removal of glands (this method often entails disruption of the functioning of the facial nerves).
For neurological disorders, facial massage and exercise therapy are prescribed.
Radiation therapy.
Cryotherapy (cold treatment).
To block excessive saliva production for a period of time (up to one year), Botox injections are performed.

In addition to all of the above medications, homeopathic options are often used. However, they are prescribed only after consultation with a doctor.

If the diagnostic examination does not reveal any significant abnormalities, you can try to use the recommendations below.

First of all, it is necessary to exclude all spicy, fatty and salty foods from the diet, as they provoke irritation of the oral mucosa. The thing is that many people complain of increased salivation after eating. These kinds of restrictions can help solve this problem.

It is extremely important to stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. As a preventive measure, you can rinse your mouth with a decoction of chamomile or oak bark. These agents act as an antiseptic and prevent the development of this pathology.

The process of salivation occurs reflexively and is the release of saliva into the oral cavity. Excessive salivation over a long period of time is not normal and indicates problems in the body.

Three pairs of large glands take part in the secretion of saliva: parotid, submandibular and sublingual. In some conditions of the body, excessive secretion of saliva may be observed.
Excessive salivation: causes

In medicine, excessive salivation is called hypersalivation. At the same time, patients complain about an increase in the volume of saliva and the resulting need to constantly spit it out. In order to detect excessive salivation, a functional study of the salivary glands will be required. The reasons why excessive secretion of salivary fluid may develop may be the following:

gingivitis;
stomatitis;
diseases of the digestive system;
nervous diseases;
thyroid diseases.

The secretion of saliva is also affected by dental pathology. Excessive secretion of saliva is observed in pregnant women during toxicosis. The cause of excessive salivation may also be irritation of salivary receptors due to intoxication of the body with iodine and mercury. In young children, salivation is usually due to teething.

If adults produce large amounts of saliva, this may be a symptom of esophageal cancer. In order not to miss the development of this disease, the esophagus should be examined in a timely manner. If the volume of saliva secreted increases by more than two times compared to the normal state, then this may be a sign of organic damage to the autonomic center. This process is characteristic of parkinsonism.
What to do if you have excessive saliva production

If you notice discomfort from excessive salivation, then first of all you need to seek help from a dentist, which will help rule out diseases in the oral cavity. Often, patients encounter false hypersalivation, in which the disease is not confirmed during examination. Also, this symptom can be observed with disorders in the central nervous system or with neurosis, so you should contact a neurologist and therapist for help. Excessive salivation in diseases of the oral cavity does not require separate treatment, since the body protects itself in this way. You should simply focus your efforts on eliminating the disease that caused the development of excessive salivation.

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Hypersalivation in adults

Ptyalism develops against the background of inflammatory processes of internal organs, systems, or is an accompanying pathological deviation in diseases of an infectious, neurological nature. Only a qualified doctor can identify the etiology of increased secretion of the salivary glands..

Inflammatory processes in the oral cavity

Any disease accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membrane, can provoke hypersalivation. Microbes and bacteria penetrate the salivary glands through the channels and contribute to the development of sialadenitis.

Mechanical irritations

Dental procedures that irritate or damage the gums predispose to temporary ptyalism (for example, tooth or tartar removal, apex resection, implantation, or other surgical interventions).

The use of dentures also helps to increase secretion. During adaptation, dentures rub the surface of the mucous membrane, causing irritation and copious salivation.

The presence of foreign bodies that have a direct impact on the gums affects the amount of fluid produced by the glands.

Gastrointestinal deviations

Normally, increased secretion of glands is observed when eating, but against the background of some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the presence of ptyalism is noted.

Excessive formation of saliva in the oral cavity can be caused by diseases such as gastritis, hyperacidity, ulcers, neoplasms. Microorganisms from the gastrointestinal tract enter the oral cavity, cause irritation of the gums and salivary glands, provoking the slow development of hypersalivation.

Due to the gradually increasing dynamics of the pathological process, the patient does not notice that saliva production per day exceeds the norm.

Paralysis of the muscular system of the maxillofacial area

Paralysis of the maxillofacial region occurs when facial nerve damage. Since a person is not able to control facial muscles, he develops drooling, especially at night.

Diseases of the respiratory system and nasopharynx

Diseases that make swallowing and breathing difficult contribute to the excessive formation of salivary fluid. For example, inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, tonsillitis, bronchitis and other ENT diseases.

This process is a protective function; saliva washes away pathogenic microorganisms from the oral cavity. With proper treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract and nasopharynx, hypersalivation goes away.

Vagus nerve irritation or central nervous system damage

Diseases of a neuralgic nature include inflammation of the trigeminal nerve, serious brain injuries, mental disorders, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral palsy. They are accompanied by increased secretion of glands in tandem with nausea.

Patients are also unable to control the process of swallowing and breathing through the nose. In this case, hypersalivation cannot be cured.

Medicinal ptyalism

All medications have side effects, but some drugs that have an anticholinergic effect affect the secretion of glands, increasing salivation.

For example, cardiac glycosides, which contain digitalis alkaloids, pilocarpine, lithium, physostigmine, nitrazepam and others. After taking these medications, saliva production returns to normal.

Psychogenic ptyalism

This deviation is very rare in patients and its etiology is unknown.

The patient’s mental state has no abnormalities, but the disease is so severe that those suffering from this disease have to constantly carry with them a special container to collect excess secretion of the glands.

Endocrine diseases

When the hormonal balance is disturbed, all functions of the internal systems of the body fail, and deviations in the functioning of the salivary glands are noted, which begin to produce fluid in excess.

Diseases that can cause ptyalism include inflammation, neoplasm of the pancreas, pathological abnormalities of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus of any type.

Bad habits

Smoking cigarettes leads to damage to the inner lining of the oral cavity. Every time you inhale tar, nicotine and tobacco smoke, the mucous membrane is injured; to reduce irritating factors, the glands produce more fluid.

Therefore, smokers very often develop hypersalivation. When you give up this bad habit, salivation returns to normal after some time.

Hypersalivation in children

In infants

Excessive drooling is normal during infancy, since this liquid is a protective barrier for pathogenic microorganisms. This condition is especially observed during teething.

When growing up, the secretion of the glands corresponds to normal levels. There is no need for treatment.

Helminths

Babies mainly learn about their surroundings through licking. Older children have difficulty controlling some of their actions.

For example, they bite nails, pencils, and pens. They are not afraid of the word - worms because due to their age they do not realize the seriousness of this disease.

Puberty

During this period there is hormonal changes in the body, due to which colossal changes in sexual characteristics occur. Against this background, ptyalism may develop.

Hypersalivation during pregnancy

The etiology of ptyalism in women bearing a child is neuroendocrine disorders, which contribute to the development of early or late toxicosis. This condition is accompanied by nausea, copious secretion of salivary fluid, and sometimes vomiting.

In heartburn, the increased secretion of bicarbonate-containing glands is alkaline. It helps reduce acidity and ease the condition of a pregnant woman. The feeling of nausea is more common in the morning.

If toxicosis is early and occurs without pathological abnormalities, then treatment of hypersalivation is not required. It will go away on its own over time.

Hypersalivation during sleep

The activity of the salivary glands is significantly reduced at night - during sleep. But, some people wake up with a wet pillow due to saliva flowing out. This happens because glands enter the active phase before a person wakes up.

Chronic ENT diseases or deviated nasal septum

With these deviations, ptyalism is very often accompanied by snoring during sleep. Breathing through the nose is difficult, so the patient has to breathe through your mouth.

With this type of breathing, the lips do not close, and the accumulated liquid in the oral cavity flows out. Treatment requires eliminating existing breathing problems.

Malocclusion

The dentition due to malocclusion It does not have tight contact everywhere and during sleep such people may often experience excessive salivation. Upon awakening, a wet pillow is discovered.

In elderly people in a dream the muscles of the lower jaw are in a relaxed state, so their mouth is slightly open, and excess saliva flows out.

Conclusion

Hypersalivation can develop at any age and has a different etiology. You should not wait for this pathological deviation to go away on its own. It is necessary to consult a doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment.

Isolated cases of ptyalism or excessive salivation that is not related to pathology do not require medical intervention. Sometimes the body undergoes hormonal changes, after which the secretion of the salivary glands returns to normal.

It is important for children and adults to undergo medical examinations regularly. This will help not only to identify any pathological abnormalities, but also to prevent the development of serious diseases.

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Etiology

The following diseases can cause such an unpleasant symptom in adults:

dental - these include inflammatory processes in the oral mucosa, on the gums or in the salivary glands;
from the organs of the digestive system. Most often, increased salivation is caused by narrowing of the esophagus, ulcerative lesions of the duodenum or stomach, acute gastritis of any etiology, pancreatitis;
psychoneurological - in particular, neuroses and schizophrenia, trauma or tumor processes in the brain, psychosis or inflammation of the nerves, all degrees of mental and mental retardation, for example, mental retardation, cretinism or idiocy;
rabies;
angina;
pathological influence of worms or other pathogens;
poisoning of the body with various chemicals and heavy metals;
uncontrolled use of certain medications;
uremia is an independent poisoning of the body that occurs against the background of impaired renal function;
period of menstruation or menopause in females;
a wide range of infectious diseases;
ARVI and other colds.

In addition to the above reasons for increased salivation, there are several specific factors that can cause such a manifestation only in a child. They are completely harmless and quite normal:

inability to swallow saliva. This phenomenon is typical for children from one year to two years of age, but goes away on its own by about four years. If this does not happen, then it is necessary to show the baby to a pediatric ENT specialist, since excessive salivation can negatively affect speech abilities;
Teething is the main reason, in addition to pathological ones, for the appearance of drooling in infants. This is a natural process and does not indicate any disease.

In addition, it is worth noting the occurrence of increased salivation during pregnancy. On the one hand, such a sign may indicate the above pathological conditions. On the other hand, what is most typical, an increase in the volume of saliva secreted is one of the manifestations of pregnancy.

Classification

Depending on the causes of increased salivation, there are several forms of this pathological process:

true - drooling is caused by increased production of saliva from the influence of one of the etiological factors;
false – increased production of saliva is caused by a disruption in the process of swallowing it, which is normal in a child, but in adults it develops against the background of brain diseases. The second source is improper muscle function and loss of the ability to completely close the mouth. The third reason is destruction of the lips, for example, due to injury or an illness such as lip tuberculosis.

In addition, there are several forms of drooling:

appeared against the background of dysfunction of the salivary glands;
developing due to malfunction of the brain or spinal cord;
formed due to the reflex influence of internal organs.

Types of increased salivation depending on the time of its occurrence. So the symptom is:

Since, in most cases, children and adults experience increased salivation due to the presence of some disease, the main symptom can be supplemented by the following signs:

nausea and vomiting;
sore and sore throat;
pain syndrome in the area of the affected organ of the gastrointestinal tract;
belching and heartburn;
an increase in body temperature;
weakness and fatigue;
nasal congestion;
signs of intoxication;
bowel dysfunction;
lack of appetite;
feeling of a lump in the throat and difficulty swallowing.

These are just the main manifestations that may be accompanied by increased salivation.

In the medical field, such a disorder is called hypersalivation or ptyalism, and also has several specific symptoms:

frequent swallowing, which is caused by a large amount of saliva in the mouth;
salivation from the mouth - may be constant or periodic. Liquid can flow down the cheeks - when the body is in a horizontal position, along the corners of the mouth and onto the neck. Very often you can notice this in newborns or during the course of certain diseases in adults;
violation of the integrity of that area of the skin, which is often exposed to the influence of saliva;
formation of ulcers in the area of skin damage. They may contain pus or blood, and the fluid often contains pathogenic microorganisms.

Diagnostics

To establish the causes of such a symptom, a wide range of laboratory and instrumental measures will be required, but before prescribing them, the specialist must independently perform several manipulations. Thus, the primary diagnosis will consist of:

studying the medical history and life history of the patient - to identify possible diseases that led to increased salivation in children and adults;
Conducting a thorough physical examination to identify the presence of additional symptoms;
conducting a survey of the patient or his parents about the time and intensity of manifestation of the main symptom;
functional examination of the salivary glands and measurement of the amount of saliva produced.

Only after this are other methods prescribed to establish the correct diagnosis, as well as consultations with specialists from narrower fields of medicine.

Treatment

How to get rid of increased salivation can only be decided by the attending physician based on the main predisposing factor that served as the source of such a symptom.

Thus, treatment may include one, more, or all of the following:

taking medications to eliminate pathological bacteria and additional clinical manifestations;
compliance with the dietary table;
the use of traditional medicine recipes - to eliminate this particular symptom, and not to treat the underlying disease;
performing a surgical operation - according to indications, in severe condition of the patient, as well as in cases of ineffectiveness of conservative treatment methods;
performing gymnastic exercises for the facial muscles;
irradiation of large salivary glands;
injection of a substance such as botulinum toxin into the parotid glands, which stops them secreting saliva for up to eight months.

Complications and prevention

The consequences of ignoring such a symptom can be:

damage to the skin of the face due to the constant influence of saliva and the bacteria in it;
the appearance of ulcers at the site of a violation of the integrity of the skin;
dehydration of the body;
sleep disturbance;
psychological discomfort.

There are no specific preventive measures against the appearance of excessive salivation. It is only necessary to promptly eliminate the etiological factors.

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Drooling can be a symptom of many diseases and conditions.

Changes in the oral cavity:
- stomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosa);
- gingivitis (inflammation of the gums);
- sialadenitis (viral inflammation of the salivary gland tissue).

Diseases of the digestive system.
- Narrowing of the esophagus (for example, after inflammation or a chemical burn).
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining):
  - with increased secretion (production) of gastric juice;
  - with decreased secretion of gastric juice.
- Ulcer (deep defect) of the stomach.
- Duodenal ulcer.
- Acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas lasting less than 6 months).
- Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas lasting more than 6 months).

Nervous system diseases:
- stroke (death of a part of the brain);
- Parkinson's disease (a slowly progressive neurological syndrome characterized by increased muscle tone, trembling and limited movement);
- brain tumors;
- bulbar palsy (damage to the IX, X, XII pairs of cranial nerves in the medulla oblongata);
- vagotonia (increased tone of the parasympathetic nervous system - part of the autonomic nervous system, the nerve nodes of which are located in or near organs);
- inflammation of the trigeminal nerve (fifth pair of cranial nerves);
- inflammation of the facial nerve (seventh pair of cranial nerves);
- psychosis (a painful mental disorder manifested by impaired perception of the real world);
- some forms of schizophrenia (a severe mental disorder that affects many functions of consciousness and behavior);
- neuroses (reversible (that is, curable) mental disorders);
- oligophrenia (congenital (arising in utero) dementia, that is, underdevelopment of mental activity);
- idiocy (the deepest degree of mental retardation, characterized by an almost complete absence of speech and thinking);
- cretinism (a disease characterized by delayed physical and mental development due to decreased production of thyroid hormones).

Rabies (an acute infectious viral disease that affects the central nervous system).
Helminthic infestations (introduction of flat or round worms into the body).
Nicotinic acid deficiency (a disease that develops as a result of a deficiency of nicotinic acid, that is, vitamin PP, contained in rye bread, meat products, beans, buckwheat, pineapples, mushrooms).
Poisoning by various chemicals when they enter the body through inhaled air, ingestion with food or water, or through the skin:
- mercury;
- iodine;
- bromine;
- chlorine;
- copper;
- tin.

Effects of certain medications:
- M-cholinomimetics (a group of drugs that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which are used to treat glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure) and other diseases);
- lithium salts (a group of drugs used to treat some mental illnesses);
- anticonvulsants (a group of drugs used to prevent seizures).

Uremia (self-poisoning of the body resulting from impaired renal function).
Reflex drooling (that is, involuntary release of saliva in response to impulses received by the brain from various organs) can occur in diseases:
- nose;
- less often - kidneys and other organs.

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Causes of excessive salivation

The process of saliva production is continuous, since this biological fluid keeps the mucous membranes of the oral cavity constantly moist and helps digestion. During food intake, the process of saliva production by the salivary glands increases. If hypersalivation in women and men is not associated with food intake, then this condition can be caused by other factors, including:

taking certain medications that can stimulate the salivary glands;
metabolic disorders in the body;
diseases of the endocrine system;
inflammation of the salivary glands;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (peptic ulcer, gastritis, duodenal ulcer);
inflammatory and infectious diseases of the ENT organs;
food poisoning (increased salivation is observed in the patient before vomiting);
neurological disorders.

Increased salivation is often observed in girls and boys during puberty and in pregnant women. This condition is caused by changes in hormonal levels and does not require specialized treatment. As soon as the hormone levels stabilize and the body adapts to the changes occurring, hypersalivation will disappear on its own.

Increased salivation is also observed in people with dental and oral diseases, as well as in patients who have recently had dentures inserted. For example, with stomatitis, the patient experiences severe pain and even swallowing saliva causes him discomfort, so he rarely swallows it, saliva accumulates and the appearance of a sharp increase in salivation is created.

Symptoms of increased salivation in women and men

How to recognize hypersalivation? Typically, in this case, patients complain about the rapid filling of the oral cavity with saliva and the desire to constantly spit it out. During the examination, increased secretion of the salivary glands is revealed - up to 10 ml in 10 minutes, while the norm is no more than 2 ml over the same period of time.

In some cases, increased salivation in a person may be accompanied by other symptoms, namely:

pain when swallowing;
swelling in the area of the cervical lymph nodes and their sharp pain;
tongue injuries;
ulcers and erosions on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity;
nausea and vomiting.

Increased salivation at night

Normally, a healthy adult produces less saliva at night than during the day. Sometimes in the middle of the night, saliva begins to be produced much more than usual, as a result of which it begins to accumulate in the mouth. The reasons for this phenomenon can be different - from hormonal changes to malocclusion.

If this condition occurs rarely, then there is no cause for concern, but if night salivation predominates over daytime salivation, you should consult a doctor for advice.

Increased salivation due to nausea and vomiting

Hypersalivation due to nausea and vomiting is caused by:

food poisoning;
toxicosis of the first half of pregnancy;
diseases of the pancreas;
gastritis and peptic ulcer.

To clarify the cause of increased salivation and nausea, you should consult a doctor.

Increased salivation after eating

In a healthy person, at the sight of food, saliva begins to be intensively produced, which continues during the eating process and ends after the meal. Hypersalivation that continues after eating may indicate the following problems:

helminthic infestation;
liver diseases;
gallbladder diseases.

To clarify the diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment, you should consult a doctor.

Increased salivation and sore throat

Increased salivation against the background of pain in the throat and mouth signals inflammatory processes occurring in the oral cavity and pharynx. A similar phenomenon is observed with stomatitis, sore throat, abscess, purulent tonsillitis. Sometimes the pain is so severe that even swallowing saliva causes pain in a person, so he prefers to accumulate saliva and spit it out.

Inflammatory processes in the oropharynx are often accompanied by signs of fever, increased body temperature, soreness and enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Such symptoms should not be ignored, as serious life-threatening complications may arise.

Increased salivation in children

In babies aged 2-3 months, the work of the salivary glands is activated, as a result of which parents may observe excessive salivation. This condition is physiological and does not require any treatment.

Increased salivation in children from 6-7 months is often associated with the period of eruption of the first teeth. Associated symptoms of this condition may include:

child's anxiety;
breast or bottle refusal;
cry;
sleep disturbance.

You can alleviate the child’s “suffering” with the help of special gels and ointments that are applied directly to the inflamed gum and reduce its sensitivity. A pediatrician will help you choose an effective remedy.

Increased drooling and a constantly slightly open mouth in a child can be one of the symptoms of cerebral palsy, so parents of the baby should not hesitate to visit a specialist - this will help to recognize the disease in time and begin appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis of increased salivation

If there is increased salivation, the patient should consult a doctor to determine the cause of this condition. To determine the diagnosis, the specialist prescribes a detailed examination, including:

taking an anamnesis - finds out the duration of excessive salivation, the presence of accompanying symptoms, whether there were diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx;
life history – presence of bad habits, pregnancy, chronic diseases;
examination - special attention is paid to the condition of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and tongue (presence of cracks, ulcers, injuries);
an analysis that determines the functional abilities of the salivary glands and allows you to measure the amount of saliva produced per minute.

Treatment of increased salivation

The key to successful treatment is to eliminate the underlying cause of hypersalivation. Depending on the factor that provokes increased salivation, the patient may be prescribed:

treatment of caries and correction of malocclusion;
anthelmintic therapy;
treatment of chronic stomach diseases.

There are also a number of special therapy methods that are prescribed to the patient individually, at the discretion of the doctor. These methods include:

therapy with anticholinergic drugs, under the influence of which the function of the salivary glands is suppressed and the production of saliva is reduced;
partial removal of the salivary glands by surgery;
facial massage - prescribed after a stroke or heart attack, as a result of which the function of the salivary glands is impaired;
injection of botulinum toxin in microscopic doses - helps to block the work of the salivary glands, as a result of which the secretion of saliva by them is sharply reduced;
homeopathic treatment – homeopathic remedies are strictly individually selected for the patient, which can reduce the activity of the salivary glands and reduce the amount of saliva produced.

Prevention methods

Prevention of pathological hypersalivation not associated with food intake consists of the prevention and timely treatment of diseases of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and endocrine system organs.

A balanced diet, an active lifestyle and proper personal hygiene will help avoid helminthic infestation and food poisoning, which can provoke increased salivation.

Remember that self-medication of hypersalivation or ignoring this symptom can lead to the development of unpredictable consequences, so if something confuses or worries you, do not put off visiting a doctor.

Increased salivation is a rather unpleasant problem that brings a lot of discomfort to a person’s life. In addition, this condition affects social life. It is worth noting that in most cases this phenomenon indicates the presence of serious disorders in the functioning of the body.

When is increased salivation considered normal?

Of course, in some cases, strong salivation is a completely natural process. For example, this phenomenon is considered normal when there is a strong feeling of hunger. By the way, the work of the salivary glands is controlled by the central nervous system, so the oral cavity often fills with saliva even at the mere thought of food. In addition, increased salivation is normal in childhood. For example, this is observed when the first teeth erupt. However, in some people this problem is so severe that the person simply does not have time to swallow or spit out the excess secretion of the salivary glands.

Heavy salivation and its main causes

In fact, such a symptom may indicate a host of diseases and disorders. Here are just a few of them.

Increased salivation: treatment

If you have a problem like this, you should definitely consult a doctor. Indeed, in such situations, a complete examination of the body is simply necessary. It is worth paying attention to the accompanying symptoms, for example, whether there is nausea, pain, fever, etc. The only way to treat is to eliminate the primary disease. If the cause lies in an infectious or inflammatory disease, then all therapy should be aimed specifically at eliminating it.

Increased salivation can occur at the sight of food, while eating - and this is natural. However, sometimes such a symptom can be associated with certain specific conditions of the body or even diseases. The process of salivation is a necessary and important function of the salivary glands. Normally, about 1 ml of saliva should be released every 5 minutes, but sometimes much more is produced.

Causes of increased salivation

An increase in saliva production is most often observed when exposed to certain conditioned stimuli: smell, type of food. Normal salivation should occur even in the absence of any factors - this process is necessary to maintain the oral mucosa in a moist state, as well as for normal digestion.

When saliva is secreted in larger quantities than is sufficient, we speak of increased secretion, or so-called hypersalivation. There are several factors that contribute to the development of this condition:

the use of certain medications, the side effect of which may be increased salivation;
metabolic disorder;
neurological diseases;
acute poisoning or toxic infection;
otorhinolaryngological pathologies.

Sometimes increased saliva production can occur during adolescence. This condition is not a pathology, it is just a consequence of changes in hormonal levels during puberty.

However, it has been proven that over time in adult patients, salivary secretion gradually decreases, since age-related changes can inhibit the functioning of the secretory glands.

Hypersalivation is common in people with dental problems, but after dental treatment, salivation usually returns to normal.

Increased saliva production is also observed in those people who smoke a lot: salivation is provoked primarily by nicotine and tar, as well as tobacco smoke, which irritates the mucous membranes and gland receptors.

Symptoms of increased salivation

Patients usually complain of increased excessive production of salivary fluid in the oral cavity and a reflexive desire to constantly spit. The examination reveals an increase in the secretory function of the salivary glands of more than 5 ml in 10 minutes (with a norm of 2 ml).

In some cases, increased salivation is associated with a disorder of swallowing function due to inflammation in the oral cavity, trauma to the tongue, and disturbances in the innervation of the bulbar nerves. In this case, the amount of saliva is within normal limits, but patients have a false sensation of excess salivation. The same symptoms are typical for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Sometimes increased salivation can be combined with a change in taste sensations, with a decrease, increase or distortion of taste sensitivity.

Various options for increased salivation may occur:

Increased salivation at night

Normally, less salivary fluid should be produced during sleep than during wakefulness. But sometimes the salivary glands wake up earlier than the person: at such moments we can observe the flow of salivary fluid from the sleeping person. If this does not happen often, there is no cause for concern. Often, salivation at night is associated with a lack of nasal breathing (during colds, nasal congestion): after the nasal passages are restored, salivation from the mouth stops. Also, salivation at night can be associated with an incorrect bite or missing teeth: such problems can be solved by visiting a dentist. When a person sleeps deeply enough, he may at some point lose control of his body, which manifests itself in the form of increased drooling.

Increased salivation and nausea

Such symptoms can occur in combination during pregnancy, damage to the vagus nerve, inflammation of the pancreas, gastritis and gastric ulcers. To clarify the cause, you should be examined by a specialist.

Increased salivation after eating

Normally, salivation begins when eating and stops immediately after eating. If the meal is over and salivation does not stop, this may be a sign of helminthic infestation. Worms can affect almost any organ: liver, lungs, intestines, heart and even brain. Increased salivation after eating, appetite disturbances, and constant fatigue are the main initial signs of such a lesion. For a more accurate diagnosis, you need to visit a specialist.

Belching and increased salivation

Such symptoms are observed in diseases of the stomach (acute, chronic or erosive form of gastritis): in this case, belching can be either sour or bitter, occurring more often in the morning and combined with the release of a significant amount of salivary or mucous fluid. In diseases of the digestive system that are associated with obstruction or poor passage of the food tract (spasms, tumors, esophagitis), increased salivation, a lump in the throat, and difficulty swallowing may be observed. All of these signs are quite serious and require consultation with a medical specialist.

Increased salivation and sore throat

These signs may be symptoms of lacunar tonsillitis. The clinical picture, in addition to the listed signs, is characterized by an increase in temperature to 39 C, a feverish state and general malaise, headache. In childhood, the disease may be accompanied by vomiting. On examination, swollen and reddened tonsils with areas of light plaque are observed, and enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes is possible. This type of sore throat lasts about a week and requires mandatory treatment.

Increased salivation when talking

Such pathological secretion of saliva can be observed when coordination of the oral muscles is impaired, which manifests itself in cerebral palsy and some neurological diseases. An increase in salivation can be provoked by a hormonal imbalance, which can often be found in pathologies of the thyroid gland and other endocrine disorders, in particular in diabetes mellitus.

Increased salivation in women

Early menopausal women may also experience increased salivation, which occurs along with increased sweating and flushing. Experts associate this with hormonal changes in the body. Typically, such phenomena gradually disappear without requiring special treatment.

Increased salivation during pregnancy

During the gestation period, manifestations of toxicosis can affect cerebral circulation, which provokes an increase in saliva secretion. This symptom may be accompanied by heartburn and nausea. Also, a major role in the causes of drooling during pregnancy is played by a lack of vitamins and a decrease in immune defense, which can be compensated by prescribing vitamin complexes and maintaining a nutritious diet.

Increased salivation in a child

Drooling in children in the first year of life is a completely normal condition that does not require the use of therapeutic measures. Such children “slobber” due to an unconditional reflex factor. Later, salivation can be observed during teething: this is also not a pathological condition and does not require intervention. Older children should not drool. If such a symptom appears, one can assume a brain injury or other pathology of the nervous system: it is necessary to show the child to a specialist.

Increased salivation in infants

Infants may also suffer from increased salivation due to infection or some irritating substance in the oral cavity. Sometimes the amount of salivary fluid is within the normal range, but the baby does not swallow it: this happens when there is pain in the throat or there are other reasons that impair or make swallowing difficult. Cerebral palsy is also considered a common cause of increased salivation in an infant.

Diagnosis of increased salivation

What is the diagnosis of increased salivation?

Remember that effective treatment of increased salivation is impossible without determining the true root cause of this condition.

Treatment of increased salivation

What to do if you have increased salivation? First, you should consult a doctor, for example, a therapist. If the need arises, he will prescribe you a consultation with more specialized specialists.

The main point in treatment is to determine the predisposing factor that could cause drooling. Further therapy directly depends on the underlying disease: this could be anthelmintic treatment, dental correction, or the prescription of drugs to improve digestion.

There are a number of specific methods that can be used at the discretion of the doctor:

prescribing anticholinergic drugs that suppress the secretion of salivary fluid (platifillin, riabal, scopolamine). In addition to the therapeutic effect, drugs can cause excessive dry mouth, blurred vision, tachycardia;
a surgical method of selective removal of the salivary glands, which may be accompanied by a violation of the innervation of the facial nerves;
radiation therapy, which causes death and scarring of the salivary ducts. May cause destruction of tooth enamel;
Exercise therapy and massage of the facial area, carried out for ischemic strokes and neurological disorders;
injections of Botox (botulinum toxin) into the area of the salivary glands blocks the secretion of salivary fluid for at least six months. Before the procedure, you should not drink alcohol, nor take antibiotics or blood thinners;
cryotherapy method is a long-term course of treatment that allows you to reflexively increase the frequency of swallowing saliva.

You can use homeopathic treatment, for example, Mercurius Heel tablets, consisting of potentized mercury. The drug effectively reduces and normalizes salivary secretion. Take three times a day in the amount of one tablet for resorption under the tongue. Mercurius is also produced in ampoules, which can be used as intramuscular injections, or diluted with water and drunk. The use of the drug must be agreed with the doctor.

Treatment of increased salivation with folk remedies

Sometimes, in the absence of serious causes of increased salivation, it is possible to influence the pathology using folk remedies:

extract or tincture of water pepper (sold in a pharmacy). Dilute a tablespoon of tincture in a glass of water, rinse the mouth after each meal;
Lagochilus intoxicating. Take 20 g of plant leaves, pour 200 ml of hot water, heat in a water bath for 15 minutes, cool and strain. Rinse your mouth several times a day after meals;
viburnum berries. The fruits are pounded in a mortar, poured with boiling water (2 tablespoons of fruits per 200 ml of water), after 4 hours, strain and use for rinsing the mouth, can be added to tea and drunk several times a day;
tincture of shepherd's purse. Dilute 25 drops of tincture in 1/3 glass of water and rinse the mouth after each meal.

You can rinse your mouth with chamomile decoction, oak bark infusion, or any vegetable oil. It is recommended to brush your teeth more often, avoid starchy foods, and take vitamin complexes.

Drinking unsweetened tea or water with lemon juice has a good effect.

If popular advice does not help, do not waste time and consult a doctor: perhaps the cause of drooling lies much deeper, which requires additional diagnosis and qualified treatment.

Prevention of increased salivation

Prevention of increased salivation consists, first of all, in preventing pathologies that can provoke this manifestation. This includes following the rules of oral hygiene, dental care and timely visits to the dentist, proper and nutritious nutrition, and an active lifestyle. It is necessary to promptly treat infectious diseases, pathologies of the oral cavity, and observe measures to prevent helminthic infestations.

The prognosis for increased salivation can become favorable provided that the underlying disease that could cause the drooling is effectively treated.

Increased salivation can be a sign of many diseases, so before starting treatment it is recommended to undergo qualified diagnostics and consultation with a specialist.

Three pairs of large glands take part in the secretion of saliva: parotid, submandibular and sublingual. In some conditions of the body, excessive secretion of saliva may be observed.

Excessive salivation: causes

gingivitis;
stomatitis;
diseases of the digestive system;
nervous diseases;
thyroid diseases.