Drooling is the process of saliva dripping out of your mouth—usually unintentionally. Many people associate the symptom with sleeping or the mouth-watering effect of craving your favorite ChopHouse Grille burger. For the most part, drooling is a natural byproduct of saliva production. However, there are a few conditions that can lead to excess saliva production and subsequent drooling.
Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Difficulty swallowing is a common cause of excess drooling. A few common symptoms of dysphagia may include but are not limited to pain while swallowing, trouble or inability to swallow, regurgitation, hoarseness and drooling.
Dysphagia falls into one of three categories: oral (trouble moving food or liquid through the mouth), oropharyngeal (difficulty moving food or liquid from the mouth to the throat) or esophageal (difficulty moving food or liquid down the esophagus). Your ENT specialist will treat your dysphagia based on its type and cause. Treatments may include muscle-strengthening exercises, medication, lifestyle changes or a feeding tube (in severe cases).
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when acid from your stomach flows back up into the esophagus and throat. Symptoms of acid reflux may include a burning feeling in the throat, chest pain, nausea, sore throat, backwash or drooling.
Many people find relief from acid reflux by changing their eating habits and reducing or eliminating alcohol and tobacco intake. Others may find relief from medicine, surgery or home remedies. A few home remedies may include eating dinner earlier, sleeping on your left side and wearing loose-fitting clothing.
Sore Throat
Sore throats are a common result of bacterial infections, allergies, tonsillitis, acid reflux and viral infections like the flu or common cold. Side effects of a sore throat may include fever, headache, upset stomach, nasal congestion, runny nose, hoarseness, cough, swollen lymph nodes, trouble swallowing and excess drooling.
Treatment options for a sore throat will depend on its underlying cause and may include medication, antibiotics, antivirals and home remedies. A few home remedies include sucking on ice, resting your voice, avoiding irritants and drinking warm tea with lemon and honey.
Everyone drools sometimes. If you notice nighttime drooling without other symptoms, try sleeping on your back to promote swallowing. If your drooling occurs around the clock or presents with symptoms of another condition, contact Pinnacle ENT Associates today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.