Problem
Xerostomia
Other Names:
AptyalismDiminished secretion of saliva
Nature:
Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is a subjective complaint of dryness in the mouth, which may be associated with a change in the composition of saliva, or reduced salivary flow, or have no identifiable cause.
This symptom is very common and is often seen as a side effect of many types of medication. It is more common in older people (mostly because this group tend to take several medications) and in people who breathe through their mouths. Dehydration, radiotherapy involving the salivary glands, chemotherapy and several diseases can cause reduced salivation (hyposalivation), or a change in saliva consistency and hence a complaint of xerostomia. Sometimes there is no identifiable cause, and there may sometimes be a psychogenic reason for the complaint.
Broader Problems:
Salivary disorders in animalsDiseases of the salivary glands Values:
Diminishing Subject(s):
Medicine → Teeth, mouthMedicine → Glandular system
Problem Type:
G: Very specific problems Date of last update
09.05.1999 – 00:00 CEST