Drooling

Considerations:
Drooling is due to either excess production of saliva or by an inability to retain or swallow saliva.

There is always a potential in those who have a drooling problem to inhale into the lungs saliva, food, or fluids. However, this is unlikely unless the body's normal defense mechanisms (gagging and coughing ) are damaged by poisons or disease.

Common Causes:
There are no common causes of drooling in adults.

Drooling in young infants is normal and is highly unlikely to be associated with complications.

Possible causes:
Diseases

Environmental

Drugs

  • clonazepam
  • ethionamide
  • haloperidol
  • nicotine - transdermal

Other causes of drooling in children

Note: There may be other causes of drooling. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for drooling, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Good oral hygiene is strongly recommended.

In some cases, exercising the facial muscles may help.

Aspiration of substances into the lungs can be prevented by sitting upright or by lying on one side.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • the cause of the drooling has not been diagnosed or if there is concern about aspiration .



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting drooling in detail may include:

  • associated conditions
    • Does the person have a known history of any of the diseases that cause drooling (see causes)?
    • Has the person had a bite or sting? What type?
    • Has the person had an injury? What type?

  • What medication are being taken?
  • What other symptoms are also present?

Diagnostic tests will be performed as indicated by other symptoms that accompany the drooling.

Aspiration may be prevented by suctioning.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to drooling, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical rec