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What Causes Excessive Salivation?
Question: My daughter is bothered by excessive salivation. She is otherwise very healthy. She has experienced this before. We are not sure what to make of it. She ends up swallowing her saliva which cause pain in her stomach.
Brief Answer:
Could be due to decreased bowel movements.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. I would like you to clarify what makes you think that there is excessive salivation. Secretion of saliva is meant to help with digestion. Saliva is secreted constantly at a rate of about 0.3 - 0.4 ml/min although food increases the secretion to about 1 - 2 ml/min. We all keep constantly swallowing this saliva even though we might not be aware of it. However, a decreased clearance rate may lead to the sense that more saliva is being secreted. On the other hand, since this clearance is actually based on the normal gastrointestinal movement that moves the food down the gastrointestinal tract as it gets digested, absorbed and finally ejected as feces, a decreased clearance would lead to stasis of stomach acids and food and thereby a bloated sensation and stomach pain.
She needs to be evaluated clinically and I would suggest you to take her to a doctor for the same. A closer look could help in identifying the underlying cause. Avoiding or managing the underlying issue should solve the problem.
Feel free to go through:
http://www.alsa.org/als-care/resources/publications-videos/factsheets/saliva.html
In order to provide relief, your daughter needs to do the following:
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist her to increase her dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
Hope that helps.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
Could be due to decreased bowel movements.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. I would like you to clarify what makes you think that there is excessive salivation. Secretion of saliva is meant to help with digestion. Saliva is secreted constantly at a rate of about 0.3 - 0.4 ml/min although food increases the secretion to about 1 - 2 ml/min. We all keep constantly swallowing this saliva even though we might not be aware of it. However, a decreased clearance rate may lead to the sense that more saliva is being secreted. On the other hand, since this clearance is actually based on the normal gastrointestinal movement that moves the food down the gastrointestinal tract as it gets digested, absorbed and finally ejected as feces, a decreased clearance would lead to stasis of stomach acids and food and thereby a bloated sensation and stomach pain.
She needs to be evaluated clinically and I would suggest you to take her to a doctor for the same. A closer look could help in identifying the underlying cause. Avoiding or managing the underlying issue should solve the problem.
Feel free to go through:
http://www.alsa.org/als-care/resources/publications-videos/factsheets/saliva.html
In order to provide relief, your daughter needs to do the following:
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist her to increase her dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
Hope that helps.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Dr. XXXXXXX
Thank you for your answer. My daughter is aware of the extra saliva because every few minutes she feels she needs to spit it out or swallow the saliva. What you say about digestion issues makes sense as she has issues with her bowels. She is currently taking Align but I will increase the amount of fiber especially greens. We will also try the yogurt as well. She has currently begun an exercise program which I'm hoping will help. Would you recommend a general MD or a gastroenterologist? Thanks again.
Thank you for your answer. My daughter is aware of the extra saliva because every few minutes she feels she needs to spit it out or swallow the saliva. What you say about digestion issues makes sense as she has issues with her bowels. She is currently taking Align but I will increase the amount of fiber especially greens. We will also try the yogurt as well. She has currently begun an exercise program which I'm hoping will help. Would you recommend a general MD or a gastroenterologist? Thanks again.
Brief Answer:
You need not worry
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
I think that although you can see a gastroenterologist, seeing a neurologist would perhaps be a better idea.
Regards
You need not worry
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
I think that although you can see a gastroenterologist, seeing a neurologist would perhaps be a better idea.
Regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Priyanka G Raj
Answered by
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