Xerostomia is an insufficient level of salivation, which is accompanied by dry mouth. Often, patients complain of a burning sensation in the throat, difficulty in chewing and swallowing. Also, the patient has a violation of taste perception and the presence of a constant smack of metal in the mouth.
Xerostomia (the causes, symptoms, treatment described in this article) is often a sign of diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, HIV, etc. It can also be a side effect of taking certain medications, chemotherapy, and radiation exposure.
The success of getting rid of xerostomia depends on the cause that caused it. Symptomatic treatment involves the use of such drugs as Galantamine, Pilocarpine. Novocaine blockade and physiotherapeutic procedures on the salivary gland area are also used.
Causes of the disease
Xerostomia - what is it? What reasons provoke it? Saliva serves as a lubricant for the oral cavity. It facilitates the process of chewing and swallowing food. In addition, it helps to eliminate harmful microbes and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Substances contained in saliva contribute to the remineralization of enamel and the neutralization of alkalis and acids that enter the oral cavity with food. Xerostomia is usually a side effect of taking certain medications.
What are the causes causing a pathology such as xerostomia?
Dry mouth is provoked by taking:
- drugs for the treatment of kidneys, nervous system and diabetes;
- antipsychotics;
- diuretics;
- antihistamines;
- sleeping pills.
To eliminate the symptom, the tactics of therapy should be changed, and he will cease to disturb.
Elderly people are more prone to the appearance of such an ailment due to the use of many drugs of various pharmacological groups.
The combination of dissimilar agents is more conducive to the development of this pathology. Symptoms of xerostomia may occur if:
- diabetes mellitus;
- iron deficiency anemia;
- hypertension
- cystic fibrosis;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- AIDS
- Shane's syndrome.
Shane's syndrome is characterized by autoimmune disorders that provoke a dystrophic process of the salivary glands, which is expressed in dry mouth and a decrease in their function.
The presence of mumps and other diseases of an infectious nature can also provoke the appearance of dryness of the oral mucosa. Infections contribute to the disruption of the system of innervation and blood circulation, which affects the full production of saliva.
Xerostomia (photo can be seen in the article) is observed with radiation therapy, and even for a short time after its cancellation. In particular, an ailment is clearly manifested when irradiating cancer patients with a tumor in the head and neck.
With the surgical removal of the salivary glands, xerostomia is an irreversible process. The only correction option is the use of agents that help moisturize the oral mucosa.
Violation of saliva production often manifests itself with head injuries and damage to the central nervous system by toxic substances.
Atrophy of the salivary glands in old age, sialadenitis, Mikulich's disease are quite serious pathologies, in which the likelihood of xerostomia is increased.
Xerostomia, which is of a short nature, occurs in the absence of underlying diseases. For example, it occurs in violation of nasal breathing caused by polyps, curvature of the nasal septum.
In elderly people, due to weakness of the muscles of the lower jaw, xerostomia occurs due to the fact that during a night's sleep a person's mouth is open.
Frequent mouth rinses with aggressive disinfectants also lead to an atrophic process in the salivary glands and the appearance of signs of the disease.
Symptoms of the disease
Xerostomia, the causes of which are well known, is characterized by dry mouth. With a decrease in oral irrigation with saliva, the risk of purulent processes increases, since in the absence of saliva, microbes and bacteria survive and contribute to infection of the soft tissues of the oral cavity. Often a fungal infection affects the mouth.
With the appearance of dry mouth, taste disturbances occur until the complete loss of its perception. The degree of manifestation of the disease can be judged by signs.
How is the initial stage manifested?
At the initial stage, the salivary glands located near the ears and under the jaw secrete a normal amount of saliva. At this stage, their work is in the stage of decompensation.
Dry mouth can disturb a person during a long conversation or when overworked. The mucous membrane of the mouth is wet. The formation of foam is observed in saliva.
Second stage
The following is a partial decompensation step. Signs of the disease become more vivid. They are manifested in persistent dry mouth, difficulty in chewing and swallowing.
A sick person at this stage has a dry appearance when eating. Therefore, the patient often drinks water. The mucous membrane of the mouth is moistened poorly. It is painted in light pink color and glitters.
Signs of the third stage
How does a disease such as xerostomia manifest in the third stage? This is primarily a complete decrease in the function of the salivary glands. Patients complain of excruciating dry mouth, pain during talking and chewing. The appearance of complications such as glossitis and stomatitis is noted.
Dry mouth provokes ulceration. The skin of the lips becomes dry and flaky. Sometimes the lips are covered with crusts.
If xerostomia was caused by dysfunction of the salivary glands, then often, in addition to the main symptoms, caries also appears.
If there is a xerostomia, the patient complains of thirst, a problem with swallowing food and bad breath. Sick people are prone to sore throats. During the recovery period, hoarseness and pain in the throat cause a lot of inconvenience and cause speech impairment.
The tongue turns bright red, cracks appear in the corners of the mouth, into which bacteria easily penetrate.
In the stage of compensation and decompensation, the patient complains of dryness in the area of the nasal passages. Pathological processes in the periodontium are also possible.
If a sick person wears removable dentures, then difficulties arise when using them and frequent traumatic lesions of the oral mucosa.
Diagnostics
Xerostomia is a symptom of a severe pathology in the body. Her diagnosis includes a detailed history to identify the root cause of this complication. The doctor asks the patient in detail about all the medications he is taking. Ultrasound of the salivary glands and sialography are also additional diagnostic methods.
Therapies
Symptomatic treatment contributes to a significant relief of the patient's condition. After stopping therapy, the symptoms of the disease return. Therefore, the dentist must establish the exact cause of this condition.
Xerostomia is a pathology that can be caused by taking certain medications or dehydration. In this case, it quickly undergoes correction.
The condition provoked by radiation therapy is practically impossible to eliminate, since radiation can interfere with the production of saliva.
Many are interested in how xerostomia is eliminated, how to treat an ailment? Pathogenetic therapy is aimed at eliminating dry mouth. To optimize the patient's condition, potassium iodide solutions are prescribed. Pilocarpine or Galantamine is also used. Lubricating the mouth with liquid vitamin A causes a decrease in dryness and healing of ulcers and small cracks. The blockade of novocaine in the salivary glands located near the ears and under the jaw, as well as the use of physiotherapeutic procedures (galvanotherapy, electrophoresis, vibration massage) can improve the patient's condition even with the presence of pathology at the decompensated stage.
Preventive actions
Xerostomia, the causes and treatment of which are described in this article, requires compliance with preventive measures. In the presence of pathology, the intake of salty and dry foods, as well as drinks containing caffeine and sugar should be limited.
Alcoholic drinks and mouthwashes, including alcohol, help to drain the mucosa and cause hyposalivation.
Xerostomia patients are advised to abandon bad habits, use oral moisturizers, as well as toothbrushes with soft bristles to avoid injury to dry mucous membranes. The use of professional toothpastes is recommended. Teeth should be brushed three times a day. It is advised to massage the inner surface of the cheeks and gums with the tongue.
Sugar-free hard candies also optimize saliva production. Typically, patients with xerostomia are advised to chew chewing gum, which also increases the level of salivation. But you should use sugar-free chewing cuts to reduce the likelihood of tooth decay.
After elimination of the signs of the disease, relapse should be avoided, which is achievable if the doctor's instructions and rational medication are followed. Drugs that will not reduce saliva should be used.
When preparing dishes, it is recommended to add more spices and red pepper to them.
It should more often moisten the air in the apartment.
Folk remedies
Is it possible to eliminate a folk remedy such a disease as xerostomia? How to treat a disease without the use of drugs? As a rule, various grass-based rinses are used. Increased fluid intake during the day is also recommended. At the same time, it is recommended to drink it in a small amount.
Heavy drink
This method is the simplest. It helps moisturize the oral mucosa. It is recommended to drink a rosehip broth in cold form, as well as sour fruit juice from cranberries or cranberries. With insensitive teeth and gums, you can suck pieces of ice. If dry mouth is caused by a hangover, then you should drink mineral water with lemon juice in a ratio of 2: 1. Drink should be in small sips.
Mouthwash
The choice of funds for this purpose should be approached with caution. Most drugs include alcohol in their composition, so they are in no way suitable for eliminating dry mouth.
There are several recipes for rinsing:
- The oral cavity should be rinsed with infusion of calendula, chamomile or sage. You can also use rinse agents containing fluorine.
- Rosehip oil and herbal collection are widely used. Blueberries, calamus root, sage and chamomile are taken. Each plant is brewed separately. On 1 tbsp. water is taken 1 tbsp. the spoon. The agent is infused for 40 m, after which it is filtered. Each infusion in turn rinses its mouth, and blueberries are eaten.
Nasal instillation
At the pharmacy, you can purchase the Chlorophyllipt oil solution. This tool is instilled into the nose three times a day. First, rosehip oil is dripped, and then Chlorophyllipt. After the procedure, lie down. The course of treatment is 10 days.
Disease prognosis
The prognosis of a disease such as xerostomia (treatment, drugs are described in this article) depends on the nature of the underlying disease, as well as the degree of dysfunction of the salivary glands. In all cases, except for the complete atrophic process, it is possible to achieve a significant improvement in the patient's condition up to a complete cure.
Conclusion
So, in the article we answered the question: "Xerostomia - what is it?" Treatment is selected based on the underlying disease that provoked it. For example, in the presence of diabetes mellitus, medicines that normalize blood glucose levels will be prescribed. This will contribute to normal salivation.
Pathology can not be attributed to a single disease. It is a sign of a serious disorder in the body.