Dry Mouth or Xerostomia

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Diagnostic Tests

Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Sialometry (determination of salivary flow rate) – this is the only objective procedure for detecting existing hyposalivation (oligosialia) or xerostomia.Salivary flow measurement provides volume values per unit time (ml/min is the unit commonly used in the literature). Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, … Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Diagnostic Tests

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Prevention

To prevent xerostomia (dry mouth), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors.Behavioral risk factors Mouth breathing Stress Medication ACE inhibitors (benazepril, captopril, cilazapril, enalapril, fosinopril, imidapril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, spirapril, trandolapril, zofenopril). Alpha-2 agonists (apraclonidine, brimonidine, clonidine). Alpha-1 receptor blockers (bunazosin, doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin). Anorectic (sibutramine). Anti-allergic (H1 antihistamines) Anticholinergics (ipratropium … Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Prevention

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

There are numerous typical symptoms that characterize xerostomia (dry mouth), leading to a significant reduction in quality of life for those affected. The following symptoms and complaints may indicate xerostomia: Dry mucous membranes – oral mucosa is atrophic, reddened and sensitive to pain. Sticking of the tongue to the mucous membranes; tongue surface occasionally shows … Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of xerostomia (dry mouth). Family history Social history Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). How long has the dry mouth been present? Have you noticed any other … Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Medical History

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Respiratory System (J00-J99) Nasal turbinate hyperplasia – benign enlargement of the turbinates (usually affecting the inferior turbinates) → nasal airway obstruction. Nasal septum deviation (nasal septum curvature) → nasal breathing obstruction. Blood, blood-forming organs – immune system (D50-D90). Heerfordt syndrome – chronic inflammation of the parotid (parotid gland) and lacrimal gland. It may be associated … Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by xerostomia (dry mouth): Respiratory system (J0-J99) Pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat). Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Keratoconjunctivitis (eye dryness with eye burning). Xerophthalmia (drying of the cornea and conjunctiva). Mouth, esophagus (esophagus), stomach, and intestines (K00-K67; K90-K93). Gingivitis (inflammation of … Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Complications

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes [symptoms: Sticking of the tongue to the mucous membranes. Oral mucosa is atrophic, reddened and sensitive to pain Strong bad breath (foetor ex ore) Dry, … Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Examination

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Test and Diagnosis

2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification Auto-AK (IgG) against SS-A/SS-B (anti-SSA/anti-Ro and anti-SSB/anti-La-AK) – for suspected Sjögren’s syndrome (positive in 40-80% of cases). Sublaryngeal or parotid gland biopsy/tissue collection from the parotid gland (under local anesthesia) – for suspected Sjögren’s syndrome. … Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Test and Diagnosis