What Causes Excessive Salivation?

Posted on Sat, 28 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 28 Jun 2014 Answered on

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Dr XXXXXXX
I have a problem with my mouth. It started me long time ago probably 6 years ago while I was a college student in the middle of the class. Every time my mouth is filled with saliva, the second I swallowed my saliva un uncontrollable flood of saliva follow. I become more aware and conscious of my problem, i can talk (my voice changed since then) I lost my concentration , every time I saw people focusing in me while I swallow my saliva in a flash of second , a big destructive hindrance to every part of my life.

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You may take anticholinergic drug to control.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in.

There can be severe reasons for excessive salivation:-
- gastroesophageal reflux disease
- rabies
- liver disease
- pancreatitis
- oral infection
- drugs like pilocarpine, clozapine
- toxins like mercury, copper

For proper treatment you need to rule out the exact cause & get it treated accordingly.

After consulting your physician you may take anticholinergic drugs like glycopyrolates, scopolamine.
You may go for botulinum toxin injection or surgery if required.

Consult oral & maxillofacial surgeon for further treatment plan.

Hope I answered your query

Wishing you good health

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar