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How do I Control Excessive Saliva?
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Excessive salivation, also known as sialorrhea, is a condition in which the salivary glands produce excessive saliva on a continual basis. This production of the additional saliva can be somewhat embarrassing for suffers, especially when attempting to speak or sing in front of a group of people. Fortunately, there are several ways to successfully control excessive saliva production and get back to the business of living.
In some instances, the underlying cause for the production of excessive saliva is an allergic reaction to something that the individual is coming into contact with, or possibly even consuming. People who work around pesticides or are exposed to chemical fumes on a regular basis may find that the function of the salivary glands is disrupted as a result of the exposure. Typically, using protective clothing and masks when working near substances of this type will slowly reverse the excess flow of saliva.
There are also situations where excessive saliva is a sign of some type of underlying health issue. Some type of oral infection can cause the salivary glands to go into overdrive, producing far more saliva than necessary. When some type of traumatic health event has occurred, such as a stroke or a trauma to the head in general, there is a good chance that the glands will produce additional saliva. Even ongoing health issues like Parkinson’s disease or cerebral palsy may be the reason for the glandular malfunction. With these situations, medication used to treat the illness directly will often minimize the excessive saliva production.
Medications themselves may be the root cause for the excessive saliva. People who begin taking a new medication may find that the additional medicine interacts with other medications that are already being taken. The end result is the salivary glands begin to overproduce saliva. In a situation of this nature, adjusting the dosage or changing to a different medication may minimize or even eliminate the production of extra saliva.
Rarely, there are situations where surgery may be required to inhibit or possibly shut down saliva production altogether. This is sometimes the case when the salivary glands have been damaged in some manner. Depending on the circumstances, the salivary ducts may be partially blocked, nerves to the glands may be severed, or the glands may be removed altogether. Fortunately, surgery is only necessary in highly unusual cases, and making some other life changes are sufficient to stop the flow of excessive saliva.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
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![The excessive saliva that may accompany cerebral palsy can be minimized with medicine.]()
By: Jaren WicklundThe excessive saliva that may accompany cerebral palsy can be minimized with medicine. -
![Certain medications can trigger excess saliva production.]()
By: Adrian CosteaCertain medications can trigger excess saliva production. -
![Saliva prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth.]()
By: Laurentiu IordacheSaliva prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth. -
![Excessive saliva may occur as a result of head trauma.]()
By: corepicsExcessive saliva may occur as a result of head trauma. -
![Saliva makes it easier to chew and swallow food.]()
By: GlamySaliva makes it easier to chew and swallow food. -
![Excessive saliva may be a sign of an underlying health issue.]()
By: Leah-Anne ThompsonExcessive saliva may be a sign of an underlying health issue. -
![Excessive saliva might be caused by an allergic reaction to something that a person drinks.]()
By: Andriy PetrenkoExcessive saliva might be caused by an allergic reaction to something that a person drinks.
Discussion Comments
I'm a saxophone player and just began having problems with excess saliva while playing the horn. I've been playing for 40 years and never encountered this before.
I'm so tired of my excessive salivation. I've been to so many worthless appointments with doctors who never seem to find anything wrong. I've changed jobs twice because of the embarrassment, dropped out of college and am on my way to losing a third job again because it's so difficult to interact with others. Hell, even being in the same room for a few minutes is painstaking. There's the constant swallowing and unintentional spray, along with people deliberately clearing their throats around me and spitting at the floor.
I did nothing to deserve this. I've always been a good person in otherwise great health. This has ruined my life.
I am 24, I have been suffering with this problem for the last year. I've visited a few doctors in the past. They all say, "It's not a problem, in fact its good for health". Forget them. It's embarrassing and pathetic. I can't think of anything to help myself any more. Any advice or suggestion will be greatly helpful.
I am Surojit. I am 25 years old and have been suffering from excessive salivation for six years. I am very depressed and mentally become ill. It has ruined my life and relationship with people. I avoid people because it's very difficult for me talk and express my views. It's affecting my career also. I am in a distressed condition. I have seen so many doctors but they are saying all is normal. Please help.
My grandson age 3 years, has a problem of excessive salivation which flows continuously. Due to this, his pronunciation is not clear. His speech is disturbed. Please suggest how to overcome this problem.
I am Linda, age 65 with a gushing salivary gland that is driving me crazy! I have to sleep with a tissue in my mouth to keep from choking. It is an awful condition and mine just appeared one day out of the blue. I also have Burning Mouth Syndrome and with both, my quality of life is very poor.
I'm so tired of my excessive salivation. I've been to so many worthless appointments with doctors who never seem to find anything wrong. I've changed jobs twice because of the embarrassment, dropped out of college and am on my way to losing a third job again because it's so difficult to interact with others. Hell, even being in the same room for a few minutes is painstaking. There's the constant swallowing and unintentional spray, along with people deliberately clearing their throats around me and spitting at the floor. I did nothing to deserve this. I've always been a good person in otherwise great health. This has ruined my life.
I am Augusta, age 30 and married. I have the problem of producing excess saliva. It is worse when I talk to people. I notice they wipe their faces and try to move away from me. Please, what do I do? Help me.
I am jubaid. my problem is excessive salivation which flows continuous. I am very much depressed because it has been occurring from two years. Please suggest me. I am 26 years old and free from any disease.
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