Ptyalism

Ptyalism, also known as sialorrhea, is a condition in which an excessive flow of saliva is produced. This can be caused by a number of medical conditions, medications, and psychological or neurological disorders. In some cases, the cause of excessive saliva production is unknown. The most common symptom of medical ptyalism is an increased production of saliva, which can be noticed by the patient as drooling or a feeling of a constant need to swallow. Other symptoms include difficulty speaking due to impaired articulation, increased coughing, and a feeling of a lump in the throat. Ptyalism can be treated with medications, such as anticholinergics, to reduce the production of saliva, and behavioral therapies to help control the flow of saliva. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess salivary glands. In addition, dietary changes may be recommended to avoid foods that can irritate the salivary glands.