What causes dry mouth and throat in the elderly?
Disease description:
My mouth is quite dry, and my body feels restless; I always want to drink water. I would like to ask what causes dry mouth and thirst. However, my grandfather is already 61 years old, so I want to know what causes dry mouth and thirst in the elderly?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
The causes of dry mouth in the elderly may include the following:
1. Physiological factors: With aging, the function of salivary glands in elderly individuals may gradually decline, leading to reduced saliva secretion and subsequent dry mouth.
2. Disease-related factors: Conditions such as diabetes mellitus, Sjögren's syndrome, and hyperthyroidism can cause dry mouth in the elderly. For example, elevated blood glucose levels in diabetic patients may stimulate the thirst center, leading to dry mouth.
3. Medication side effects: Elderly individuals may experience dry mouth as a result of long-term use of certain medications, such as antihypertensive drugs and antidepressants.
4. Lifestyle factors: Insufficient water intake, improper diet (e.g., excessive consumption of spicy or salty foods), or unhealthy habits (e.g., smoking and alcohol consumption) may also contribute to dry mouth in the elderly.
To alleviate symptoms of dry mouth in the elderly, it is recommended to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, ensure adequate hydration, and monitor for potential disease-related or medication-related effects. If symptoms persist or worsen, timely medical evaluation is advised.
