Abstract
Xerostomia is a distressing complaint for which the physician may be consulted. Normal salivary flow is 1000 to 1500 mL/d. Xerostomia may be accompanied by complaints of soreness or a burning sensation in the oral cavity, dysphagia, and taste disturbances. Dry mouth typically occurs when the salivary flow rate is reduced by 40% to 50%. Xerostomia may be due to either reversible or irreversible entities. Medication-associated dryness may be reversible with withdrawal of the medication. Irreversible causes include Sjogren's syndrome and external beam irradiation. Treatment is directed at relief of symptoms. A variety of topical and pharmacologic sialogogues are available. Therapeutic options are discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 200-204 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Current Opinion in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1996 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology