Sialorrhea

Sialorrhea is a condition characterized by the involuntary drooling of saliva from the mouth. It is a common problem in infants and toddlers, as they are still developing the skills necessary to control their saliva. However, sialorrhea can also occur in older children and adults due to a variety of factors, including:

• Neurological disorders: Conditions such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke can affect the muscles and nerves involved in swallowing, leading to sialorrhea.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants, can have a side effect of dry mouth, which can lead to sialorrhea.
• Head and neck injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can damage the nerves or muscles involved in swallowing, leading to sialorrhea.
• Infections: Viral and bacterial infections can cause inflammation of the salivary glands, leading to increased saliva production and sialorrhea.

Symptoms of sialorrhea

The main symptom of sialorrhea is drooling. Other symptoms may include:

• Rashes around the mouth and chin: The constant moisture from drooling can irritate the skin, leading to rashes.
• Clothing and bedding becoming wet: Drooling can soak through clothing and bedding, leading to embarrassment and inconvenience.
• Speech problems: The excess saliva can make it difficult to speak clearly.
• Social isolation: People with sialorrhea may avoid social situations due to embarrassment about their condition.

Treatment for sialorrhea

The treatment for sialorrhea depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, the condition can be managed with simple measures, such as:

• Thickening liquids: Adding thickeners to liquids can make them easier to swallow and reduce the risk of drooling.
• Positioning: Tilting the head forward while eating or drinking can help keep saliva from pooling in the mouth.
• Medications: Medications that reduce saliva production can be helpful in some cases.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove or reduce the size of the salivary glands.

Botox injections are a newer treatment option for sialorrhea. Botox is a neurotoxin that can be injected into the salivary glands to temporarily reduce saliva production. This treatment is typically safe and effective, with results lasting for several months.

If you are concerned about sialorrhea, please see a doctor or speech-language pathologist for evaluation and treatment.