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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Excessive Salivation Be Treated?

An acquaintance of mine an 80 yr. old man who had a stroke years ago has started having drooling problems. His Dr. quit giving him saliva gland injections because it might have neg. impact. He is so desperate for relief. Isn t there some kind of medicine to decrease oral saliva build up. I know meds of various kinds can cause dry mouth symptoms. Can t they come up with something?
posted on Wed, 2 Aug 2017
Twitter Mon, 16 Jul 2018 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 18 Jul 2018 Last reviewed on
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Sialorrhoea may be due to hypersecretion of saliva, dental malocclusion, postural problems, and an inability to recognize salivary spill. Parkinsonism or mouth ulcer or GERD may also cause. First we have to recognise the problem and treat it. Anticholinergic medications, such as glycopyrrolate and scopolamine, are effective in reducing drooling, but their use may be limited by side effects. The injection of botulinum toxin type A into the parotid and submandibular glands is safe and effective in controlling drooling, but the effects fade in several months, and repeat injections are necessary. Surgical intervention, including salivary gland excision, salivary duct ligation, and duct rerouting, provides the most effective and permanent treatment of significant sialorrhea and can greatly improve the quality of life of patients and their families or caregivers.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu
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How Can Excessive Salivation Be Treated?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Sialorrhoea may be due to hypersecretion of saliva, dental malocclusion, postural problems, and an inability to recognize salivary spill. Parkinsonism or mouth ulcer or GERD may also cause. First we have to recognise the problem and treat it. Anticholinergic medications, such as glycopyrrolate and scopolamine, are effective in reducing drooling, but their use may be limited by side effects. The injection of botulinum toxin type A into the parotid and submandibular glands is safe and effective in controlling drooling, but the effects fade in several months, and repeat injections are necessary. Surgical intervention, including salivary gland excision, salivary duct ligation, and duct rerouting, provides the most effective and permanent treatment of significant sialorrhea and can greatly improve the quality of life of patients and their families or caregivers. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu