Excess saliva

Excess saliva in neurological diseases is caused not because of an excess of saliva but because an individual no longer swallows the saliva as effectively. This can lead to drooling, coughing, and/or aspiration (entry of saliva into the breathing passages, which can cause infection). Read more...
More about Excess saliva
Saliva is the watery and usually somewhat frothy substance produced in the mouths of humans and some animals. Produced in salivary glands, saliva is 98% water, but it contains many important substances, including electrolytes, mucus, antibacterial compounds and various enzymes. The digestive functions of saliva include moistening food, and helping to create a food bolus, so it can be swallowed easily. Saliva contains the enzyme amylase that breaks some starches down into maltose and dextrin. Thus, digestion of food occurs within the mouth, even before food reaches the stomach.In neurological diseases, no more saliva is produced than in a healthy individual, but due to swallowing problems it remains pooled in the mouth or may leak out as drool/dribble. Excess saliva is an important symptom for several reasons; firstly it is embarrassing in social situations and may cause considerable distress, leading to avoidance of social situations which can shut down the individual's social network. Secondly there is a risk of "aspirating" saliva, that is, having it pass into the lungs rather than down the oesophagus. Aspirated saliva (or food) is a risk factor for pneumonia and other pulmonary complications, and is more likely to occur during mealtimes. Thirdly, by constantly wiping away saliva from around the chin or mouth area, patients can cause skin conditions such as redness and irritation. Tissues medicated with a lotion or balm can moderate this to some extent. In early stages of the disease, treatment is restricted to avoiding certain foods, but there are a variety of medications available to reduce secretions.