Dry mouth: diagnosing and treating its multiple causes.
Dry mouth in the elderly is a common occurrence with multiple etiologies. It is not a normal phenomenon of aging and, therefore, an attempt at elucidating its cause should be made. Sjögren's syndrome may occur, and it is diagnosed by labial biopsy. Medications are also frequently associated with dry mouth, and dosages may need to be adjusted or the drug discontinued if symptoms are severe. Strategies for management of dry mouth are explored.
McDonald
E
E
St. John's Queens Hospital.
Marino
C
C
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012463:Saliva / Q000502:physiology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy