Sialorrhea, or hypersalivation, is excessive production of saliva.
Defined, additionally, as increased amount of saliva in the mouth, which may also be caused by decreased clearance of saliva.
Hypersalivation contributes to drooling if there is an inability to keep the mouth closed or difficulty in swallowing the excess saliva.
Can lead to excessive spitting.
Often precedes vomiting, where it accompanies nausea.
Conditions that can cause saliva overproduction include:
Rabies
Pellagra
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroparesis
Pregnancy
Excessive starch intake.
Anxiety
Pancreatitis
Liver disease
Serotonin syndrome
Mouth ulcers
Oral infections
Medications including:
aripiprazole
clozapine
pilocarpine
ketamine
potassium chlorate
risperidone
pyridostigmine
Substances that can cause hypersalivation include:
mercury
copper
organophosphates
arsenic
nicotine
thallium
Decreased clearance of saliva occurs with:
Infections such as tonsillitis, retropharyngeal and peritonsillar abscesses, epiglottitis and mumps.
Jaw fracture or dislocation
Radiation therapy
Neurologic disorders such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, rabies, bulbar paralysis, bilateral facial nerve palsy, and hypoglossal nerve palsy
It is treated by treating or avoiding the underlying cause.
Mouthwash and tooth brushing may have drying effects.
Anticholinergics normally reduce the production of saliva causing a dry mouth could be considered for symptom management: scopolamine, atropine, propantheline, hyoscine, amitriptyline, glycopyrrolate.
There is no well-tested treatment program.