View Full Version : Falure of salivary glands
I am asking this on behalf of my elderly Father.Six months ago,he felt there was somthing wrong with his mouth. It turned out the saliva glands had ceased production.
This may seem a strange complaint,but it is now severely affecting his quality of life.
It is very distressing to witness someone turn from a very jovial type, to someone who has lost all interest in life, due to the constant discomfort.
The doctors he has seen say there is no cure.
If anyone in PPRuNe land has come across this before and knows of a possible cure I would be etenally grateful!
Tinstaafl
1st Nov 2000, 14:16
Has his GP prescribed artificial saliva (or similar product?). I'm pretty sure I've seen it around. It might even be available over the counter at a chemists.
Also frequent sipping of fluids may help relieve the symptoms. Also sucking on chips of ice.
Tinstaafl, thanks for the reply.
Yes he has been prescribed synthetic saliva, but it is expensive so the GP is reluctant to supply more than a little at a time.
Also,it is not very effective.He has also tried the ice,but once again it doesn't help for long.
Cheers. F3
Lu Zuckerman
2nd Nov 2000, 23:36
Have your father checked to determine if ther are calcus (stones) deposits in his salivary glands. When I worked in Iran I started to have similar effects. I was diagnosed as having a large stone in a sub maxillary salivary gland on the left side of my jaw. I had surgery and they removed the gland. It did not make any difference as at age almost 70 I can still drool a lot.
Perhaps your dad has the onset of the stones and the glands are blocked. If this is the case the Doctor may prescribe drinking of distilled water that has no minerals in it.
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The Cat
Lu Zuckerman
3rd Nov 2000, 17:11
One other point, has your father been checked for type 2 Diabetes. If his blood sugar gets too high he may have to make frequent trips to the Loo which causes a condition called dry mouth.
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The Cat
Lu...
He has been given all clear with respect to diabetes,but the stones possibility is certainly one he will put foward to the Doctor.
Thanks!
Mac the Knife
5th Nov 2000, 01:43
Hullo F3
Xerostomia is the fancy word for dry mouth like this. One cause could be Sjögren's Syndrome, thought to be an autoimmune disorder - officially you need to score 2 out of 3 (dry eyes, dry mouth, arthritis) to qualify [It is much commoner in women]. Is you dad taking any other medicines that could cause dry mouth (there are 100s)? There may be alternatives that are less drying. Calculi (stones) can cause this, but don't usually zap all the glands - worth checking for though.
This is a fairly common problem after radiotherapy to the area, but usually responds to simple things. I don't know that there are any real experts (funnily enough, I have to see someone with a very bad problem next week - will have to figure out a fancy answer), but here goes.
Methylcellulose 1 or 2% is the artificial saliva - can be effective. If you can find an old-fashioned chemist they may be able to make it up for you cheaper than commercial preps. Gelatin and glycerin lozenges may help. Try sugar free gum. Steroids don't help the dryness. Very rapid tooth decay and gum disease can occur and be very uncomfortable.
I found these guidelines of the Web using Google to search for "xerostomia" just now - you could see if other search engines turn up better ideas.
"Perform oral hygiene at least four times per day (after each meal and before bedtime)
The oral cavity should be rinsed and wiped immediately after meals
Dentures need to be brushed and rinsed after meals
Only use toothpaste with fluoride when brushing
Keep water handy to keep the mouth moist at all times
Apply prescription strength fluoride gel at bedtime
Rinse with salt and baking soda solution 4-6 times a day ( ½ tsp. salt, ½ tsp. baking soda, and 8 oz of water)
Avoid liquids and foods with high sugar content
Avoid rinses containing alcohol
Use moisturizer regularly on the lips (i.e. Chapstick®)
Salivary substitutes or artificial saliva preparations may relieve discomfort by temporarily wetting the mouth and replacing some of the constituents of saliva
Oral pilocarpine (Salagen) is the only drug approved by the FDA to stimulate saliva secretion from the remaining salivary glands. It is not a drug for everyone with dry mouth, and it can only be obtained with a prescription from your doctor."
http://www.egroups.com/group/xerostomia is an e-group with 3 members but no messages!
Other suggestions: Get referral to Rheumatologist (deals with these diseases), ENT specialist (may have ideas) or local Head and Neck Radiotherapy Department (for ideas, not radiotherapy).
Good luck to you both from Mac
Mac, thank you so much for such a detailed and professional reply. Superb advice and tomorrow my Dad is going to get a referal to a Rheumatologist. If I can get my parents health sorted out, I can resume my flying training soon, with a clear mind - and nail the IR/Multi Test first time (before Christmas, hopefully!)
Best wishes, F3.