What are the causes of drooling?
Dec 03, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, drooling may be related to factors such as underdeveloped physiology, smelling fragrances, oral ulcers, facial nerve paralysis, cerebral infarction, and others. These factors may stimulate the salivary glands, leading to increased secretion and resulting in drooling. It is recommended to promptly identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment under a doctor's guidance to avoid delaying medical care.
Generally speaking, drooling refers to excessive salivation. Excessive salivation may be related to underdeveloped reflexes, smelling pleasant odors, oral ulcers, facial nerve paralysis, cerebral infarction, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Underdeveloped Reflexes
In infants and young children, drooling may be caused by an immature swallowing reflex. Usually, no other symptoms are present. This is a normal phenomenon and can be observed without specific treatment.
2. Smelling Pleasant Odors
When a person smells something pleasant, it may trigger a conditioned reflex, causing the salivary glands to secrete saliva and resulting in drooling. This is also a normal response that will gradually subside over time and requires no specific treatment.
3. Oral Ulcers
Oral ulcers are commonly associated with improper diet, foreign body irritation, and other factors. When the oral mucosa becomes eroded or ulcerated, it may stimulate the salivary glands, leading to drooling, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as oral pain and bleeding. It is recommended to use medications such as oral ulcer powder, Guilin Watermelon Frost lozenges, and Kehoujian spray under a doctor's guidance.
4. Facial Nerve Paralysis
Facial nerve paralysis is caused by damage to the facial nerve. When the condition worsens, facial muscle relaxation may affect salivary secretion, increasing saliva production and causing the aforementioned symptoms. Symptoms such as facial asymmetry and air leakage while speaking may also occur. It is recommended to use medications such as dexamethasone acetate tablets, methylprednisolone tablets, and vitamin B6 tablets under a doctor's guidance.
5. Cerebral Infarction
Cerebral infarction is usually associated with factors such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis. As the condition progresses, regulation of salivary secretion and swallowing function by the nervous system may become impaired, easily causing the above symptoms, which may be accompanied by sensory disturbances, hemiplegia, and other symptoms. It is recommended to promptly use medications such as edaravone injection, butylphthalide soft capsules, and mecobalamin tablets under a doctor's guidance.
If drooling recurs frequently, the cause should be promptly identified and treated under medical supervision. Regular follow-up examinations during treatment are also necessary to adjust the treatment plan in a timely manner.
