Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva. While common and expected in infants, particularly during teething, its occurrence in older children and adults can signal an underlying health issue. Increased drooling during illness often warrants attention.
Understanding Why Illness Causes Drooling
Illness can lead to increased drooling for several reasons. One common reason is difficulty swallowing, often due to pain or inflammation in the mouth or throat. When swallowing becomes painful or impaired, individuals may not clear saliva as frequently, leading to accumulation and overflow.
The body might also increase saliva production due to inflammation or infection in the mouth or respiratory system. Excess saliva, combined with reduced swallowing, contributes to drooling. Additionally, nasal congestion, a common symptom, can force individuals to breathe through their mouths, allowing saliva to escape.
In severe cases, illness can impact neurological control over swallowing and mouth closure. This can exacerbate drooling. Drooling during sickness is usually a symptom of an underlying problem.
Common Illnesses Linked to Drooling
Various common illnesses can lead to increased drooling, particularly those affecting the upper respiratory tract, mouth, or throat. Conditions like the common cold, flu, strep throat, and tonsillitis often cause significant throat pain and swelling, making swallowing difficult.
Infections such as mononucleosis and sinus infections can also contribute to hypersalivation and impaired swallowing. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease, characterized by painful sores in the mouth and throat, similarly makes swallowing excruciating. Mumps, an infection affecting the salivary glands, can cause swelling and excess saliva production.
Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can cause swelling of the tongue and throat, directly impeding the ability to swallow. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can also trigger increased saliva production, known as “water brash,” as the body tries to neutralize stomach acid that has refluxed into the esophagus. This can lead to drooling if swallowing reflexes are compromised.
When Drooling Requires Medical Attention
While drooling can be a benign symptom of common illnesses, certain signs require prompt medical attention. If drooling is accompanied by difficulty breathing, like noisy breathing or gasping, it could signify a serious airway obstruction. Inability to swallow any liquids, including one’s own saliva, is also concerning.
A high fever with drooling, especially in children, warrants immediate evaluation. Other red flags include a muffled voice, suggesting severe throat swelling, or a child holding their head in an unusual position for breathing. Rapid onset of excessive drooling without a clear cause requires medical consultation.
Signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination, dry mouth, or lethargy, in a drooling individual are concerning. If drooling is sudden and accompanied by severe pain, particularly in the throat or neck, immediate medical care is important. These symptoms can point to conditions like epiglottitis or a peritonsillar abscess, requiring urgent intervention.
Tips for Managing Drooling
Managing drooling when sick involves addressing the underlying illness and using supportive measures. Ensuring adequate hydration is important, as it helps thin saliva and prevents dehydration, which can be a risk with excessive drooling. Drinking small, frequent sips of water can assist with saliva management.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing of teeth and tongue, helps prevent skin irritation around the mouth caused by constant moisture. Instead of wiping, gently dabbing the mouth with a soft cloth can minimize irritation. Adjusting sleeping posture by sleeping on one’s back can use gravity to help prevent saliva from escaping the mouth.
For temporary relief, avoiding foods known to increase saliva production, such as highly acidic or sugary items, might be helpful. If nasal congestion contributes to mouth breathing and drooling, using a humidifier can moisten airways. While over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate general discomfort from illness, they do not directly address drooling.