What causes drooling after waking up from alcohol intoxication, and what should be done about it?

Generally, drooling after sobering up from alcohol may be caused by factors such as alcohol irritation, excessive drinking, oral ulcers, facial nerve paralysis, or alcohol poisoning. Appropriate treatment should be based on the specific cause. The details are as follows:

1. Alcohol Irritation

The main component of alcoholic beverages is ethanol. During drinking, alcohol can abnormally stimulate the oral cavity and surrounding mucous membranes. The salivary glands in the mouth are highly sensitive; when stimulated, their secretory function significantly increases, leading to drooling after sobering up. This is a normal phenomenon. It is recommended to increase water intake to promote metabolism.

2. Excessive Drinking

Excessive alcohol consumption causes abnormally high blood alcohol levels, which may affect the central nervous system, causing abnormal excitation and loss of bodily control. This can prevent the mouth from closing properly, resulting in drooling. It is advised to rest appropriately and avoid strenuous activities.

3. Oral Ulcers

Oral ulcers are small sores or abscesses on the oral mucosa and are usually very painful. When oral ulcers are present, chewing and swallowing may be impaired due to pain, potentially causing saliva to accumulate in the mouth and result in drooling. Patients may use medications such as cydiodine tablets or vitamin C tablets under medical guidance.

4. Facial Nerve Paralysis

Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short time allows alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream and may damage the facial nerves, leading to facial nerve paralysis. This impairs control of facial features, causing symptoms such as mouth corner deviation. Patients may take medications such as acyclovir tablets or dexamethasone tablets under medical supervision.

5. Alcohol Poisoning

Excessive drinking or alcohol poisoning can impair normal central nervous system functions. Alcohol suppresses brain functions responsible for control and coordination, including regulation of saliva secretion. After waking, residual alcohol effects or accumulated alcohol in the body may lead to abnormally increased saliva production, causing a sensation of drooling. Patients may receive treatments such as naloxone hydrochloride injection or nalmefene hydrochloride injection under medical guidance.

If frequent drooling occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. It is advisable to control alcohol intake responsibly in daily life and avoid engaging in high-risk tasks after drinking.