What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is the feeling that there is not enough saliva in the mouth. Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while—if they are nervous, upset or under stress. But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems. It can also be a sign of certain diseases and conditions.
Dry mouth affects about 10% of all people and is more prevalent in women than men. Disorders of saliva production affect elderly people and those who are taking prescription and nonprescription medications most frequently.
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What are the symptoms of Dry Mouth?
- A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking
- A burning feeling in the mouth
- A dry feeling in the throat
- Cracked lips
- A dry, rough tongue
- Mouth sores
- An infection in the mouth
What are the causes of Dry Mouth?
Side consequence of certain medications. Dry mouth is really a common side effect of quite a few prescription and nonprescription drugs, including drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergic reaction, and colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics), diarrhea, queasieness, psychotic disorders, urinary incontinence, asthma (certain bronchodilators), and Parkinson’s disease. Dry mouth may also be a side effect of muscles relaxants and sedatives.
Side consequence of certain diseases and microbe infections. Dry mouth can be a side effect of medical conditions, including Sjögren’s predicament, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms symptoms, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and mumps.
Side effect of certain medical treatments. Damage to the salivary glands, the glands that leave saliva, can reduce the level of saliva produced. For example, the damage could stem from radiation for the head and neck, and chemotherapy cures, for cancer.
Nerve damage. Dry mouth can be quite a result of nerve damage for the head and neck area from a personal injury or surgery.
Dehydration. Conditions that produce dehydration, such as fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and burns could potentially cause dry mouth.
Surgical removal with the salivary glands.
Lifestyle. Smoking or chewing tobacco could affect how much saliva you produce and aggravate dry mouth. Breathing with your mouth open a lot could also contribute to the problem.
