Hepatitis E

Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment - WebMD

Dry mouth (also known as xerostomia ) happens when your salivary glands don't make enough spit for your mouth to stay wet.  Saliva is important for moistening and cleansing our mouths and for digesting food. Saliva also prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth.

When you don't make enough saliva, your mouth gets dry and uncomfortable. You may also have trouble chewing, swallowing, or talking. Fortunately, many treatments can help with dry mouth.

Dry mouth may be due to:

Certain medications. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription and nonprescription drugs, including drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, and colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics), diarrhea, nausea, psychotic disorders, urinary incontinence, asthma (certain bronchodilators), and Parkinson's disease. Dry mouth can also be a side effect of muscle relaxants and sedatives. Older adults may be more susceptible to dry mouth because they take a lot of medications.

Certain diseases and infections. Medical conditions, including Sjögren's (pronounced "show-grins")syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and mumps, can give you dry mouth. 

Some medical treatments. Damage to the salivary glands can reduce the amount of saliva produced. The damage could stem from radiation to the head and neck, or chemotherapy treatments for cancer.

Nerve damage. Dry mouth can be a result of nerve damage to the head and neck area from an injury or surgery.

Dehydration. Conditions that lead to dehydration, such as fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and burns can cause dry mouth.

Surgical removal of the salivary glands. If you don't have salivary glands, you won't have saliva.

Lifestyle. Smoking or chewing tobacco can affect how much saliva you make and aggravate dry mouth. Breathing with your mouth open a lot can also contribute to the problem.

Here are some reasons your mouth might be dry at night, even if you're OK in the day.

Mouth breathing. If you breathe through your mouth while sleeping, your mouth may feel dry. Mouth breathing can be caused by blocked nose passages and is a sign that something is wrong with your sleep habits.

CPAP machine. The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine helps people with sleep apnea to breathe better and get a more restful night's sleep. A mask fitting over your nose and mouth, or just over nose, is attached to a device by a hose. The machine gives continuous air to your nose or mouth to keep your airways open. 

A common side effect of using a CPAP machine is dry mouth. That's because saliva is released from the salivary glands when they're at a specific pressure. If the pressure in the mouth is higher than the saliva secretion pressure, the flow of saliva can be blocked. CPAP machines often create a higher pressure in the mouth or nose and this could stop the flow of saliva.

Dental retainer. Wearing a retainer can give you dry mouth. That's because your gums get irritated or swell when your retainer is installed. This leads to a reduction in saliva production. Not everyone who wears braces or a retainer has to deal with this, though.

Common symptoms include:

A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth

Frequent thirst

Sores in the mouth; sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth; cracked lips

A dry feeling in the throat

A burning or tingling sensation in the mouth and especially on the tongue

A dry, red, raw tongue

Problems speaking or trouble tasting, chewing, and swallowing

Hoarseness, dry nasal passages, sore throat

Bad breath

Dry mouth and bad breath

One of saliva's functions is to clean your mouth by removing particles of food and other debris. If you have dry mouth and are making less spit, less of these particles get removed, which can lead to bad breath (halitosis). 

Dry mouth and nausea

Medicines for nausea and vomiting can sometimes cause dry mouth. You might get this from food poisoning, drinking too much alcohol, stomach flu, or cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy, to name just a few causes. 

Treatment for dry mouth depends on what is causing the problem. Generally, treatment focuses on three areas:

Managing the medical conditions or drugs causing dry mouth

Preventing tooth decay

Increasing the flow of saliva, if possible

We'll examine these areas in more detail below.

If you think your dry mouth is caused by a medication you're taking, talk to your doctor. The doctor may adjust the dose or switch you to a drug that doesn't cause dry mouth.

If the medical condition causing the dry mouth can't be changed — for example, if the salivary gland has been damaged or is a result of the disease itself, as is common with Sjögren's syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke — treatment will focus on ways to increase saliva flow. 

Not only does saliva help digest food and make it possible for you to chew and swallow, it's a natural mouth cleanser. Without saliva, tooth decay and gum disease are more likely. If you have a dry mouth, to fight tooth decay and gum disease, you need to be extra careful about following good oral hygiene habits, which consist of:

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day (but preferably after every meal as well as before bedtime)

Flossing your teeth every day

Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride

Visiting your dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least twice a year; your dentist may recommend a daily fluoride rinse or fluoride gel to keep your teeth healthy.

Avoiding commercial mouth rinses or mouthwashes that contain alcohol or peroxide. These ingredients will further dry out your mouth.

If you have dry mouth, your doctor may also prescribe an oral rinse to restore mouth moisture. You can get this over the counter in a rinse or spray. There are also toothpastes, mouthwashes, and moisturizing gels just for dry mouth; ask your dentist or doctor about them. If they don't help, your doctor can prescribe a medication that boosts saliva production called Salagen. 

Another prescription drug, Evoxac, is FDA-approved to treat dry mouth in people with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease linked to dry eyes, dry mouth, dry skin, and muscle pain. (With this condition, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the salivary and tear glands.)

Finally, promising new treatments are being studied. Scientists are working on ways to repair salivary glands that have been damaged and are developing an artificial salivary gland that can be implanted into the body.

You can also try these dry mouth remedies, which may increase saliva flow:

Suck on sugar-free candy or chew sugar-free gum, specifically ones with xylitol. Try to avoid acidic ones like lemon that can soften teeth. 

Suck on ice chips or sugar-free frozen pops. Never chew ice, since it can damage your teeth. These sucking and chewing actions help stimulate saliva flow. Candies, frozen pops, and gum may soften your teeth's enamel. To reduce the risk of cavities and tooth wear, use them only in moderation.

Drink plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist and loosen mucus. Carry water with you to sip throughout the day, and keep water by your bed at night.

Breathe through your nose, not your mouth, as much as possible.

Use a room vaporizer to add moisture to bedroom air.

Use a dry mouth spray. These contain xylitol or other ingredients to lubricate your mouth. You can buy them without a prescription.

Moisten foods with broths, soups, sauces, gravy, creams, and butter or margarine. Eat soft, moist foods that are cool or at room temperature.

Avoid salty foods, dry foods (such as crackers, dry breads, dry meats, dried fruit, and bananas) and foods and beverages with high sugar content.

Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine (like coffee, tea, some colas, and chocolate-containing drinks). Alcohol increases water loss by triggering frequent urination. Alcohol, as well as caffeine, also dries out the mouth. Also avoid acidic beverages such as fruit juices (orange, apple, grape, grapefruit) and tomato juice.

To ease irritation linked with dry mouth:

Limit spicy or salty foods, as these may cause pain in a dry mouth.

Quit smoking.

Use a moisturizer on your lips.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on your teeth and gums; rinse your mouth before and after meals with plain water or a mild mouth rinse (8 ounces of water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda). 

Dry mouth is a common complaint of pregnancy. There are several reasons for this:

Hormonal changes. Pregnancy brings higher levels of estrogen and progesterone, plus more acidity in the mouth, all of which make it drier.

Gingivitis. Gum inflammation (gingivitis) affects 65%-70% of pregnant women.

Morning sickness. This leads to nausea and vomiting, which in turn leads to dry mouth. 

Dehydration. Your body needs more water than usual during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says you should drink 8 to 12 cups of water a day when you're pregnant.

Studies have shown that dry mouth is an early symptom of COVID, occurring before other symptoms like fever, cough, and shortness of breath. 

This is because the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID, enters the salivary glands early on and affects the amount and quality of saliva these glands produce. 

People with COVID may also get dry mouth later on as a side effect of some of the medications used to treat the condition.

When your salivary glands don't make enough saliva or spit, you may get dry mouth (xerostomia). Dry mouth causes include taking certain drugs, pregnancy, certain diseases and conditions, and damage to the salivary glands, among other factors. Treatment depends on the reason for your dry mouth. For instance, if it's due to taking a medication, you could switch to another drug. Sucking on sugar-free candy or gum containing xylitol can help. So can drinking lots of water.

Why is dry mouth a problem?

Dry mouth can make it hard to chew, swallow, talk or wear dentures. Dry mouth also raises your risk of gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay, and mouth infections, such as thrush. 

Why is my mouth dry even though I drink a lot of water?

You might have a condition like Sjögren's syndrome or another condition that affect the salivary glands' production of saliva. You also might be a mouth breather or suffering with stress and anxiety. All these can make your mouth dry even if you're drinking a lot of water.

What deficiency causes dry mouth?

Deficiencies in fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, iron, calcium, and zinc can all cause dry mouth.

Key HIV Symptoms You Need To Know - Rolling Out

Understanding the symptoms of HIV is paramount, as early detection can dramatically impact treatment outcomes and quality of life

In the realm of public health, few viruses have commanded as much attention and concern as HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus. Since its discovery in the 1980s, HIV has posed significant challenges to global health, affecting millions of lives worldwide. Understanding the symptoms of HIV is paramount, as early detection can dramatically impact treatment outcomes and quality of life.

In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the key symptoms of HIV, empowering readers with essential knowledge to recognize potential signs of infection. By shedding light on these symptoms, we aim to equip individuals with the tools they need to protect their health and well-being.

Whether you're seeking clarity for yourself or seeking information for a loved one, delving into the nuances of HIV symptoms can pave the way for informed decision-making and proactive healthcare practices.

Join us as we delve into the intricacies of HIV symptoms, demystifying this complex virus and arming you with the insights necessary to navigate HIV prevention, detection, and treatment with confidence and clarity.

Understanding HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, also known as T cells, which help the immune system fight off infections. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a condition where the immune system is severely compromised, making individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and other complications.

Key Symptoms of HIV

Flu-Like Symptoms

HIV infection often presents with flu-like symptoms within the first few weeks after exposure. These symptoms may include fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches.

While these symptoms may resemble those of the flu or other viral infections, they typically persist for longer durations in HIV-infected individuals.

Rash

A rash is a common early symptom of HIV infection. It often appears as a reddish rash on the trunk of the body and may be accompanied by itching.

The HIV rash usually resolves on its own but may reoccur at later stages of the infection.

Oral Ulcers

Mouth ulcers or sores can develop in individuals with HIV. These ulcers may be painful and can affect the gums, tongue, and inside of the cheeks.

Oral ulcers in HIV patients may indicate a weakened immune system and an increased risk of other infections.

Fatigue

Persistent fatigue or extreme tiredness is a common symptom experienced by individuals living with HIV. This fatigue can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

Fatigue in HIV patients may be due to the virus itself, as well as other factors such as opportunistic infections or side effects of medication.

Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss is another potential symptom of HIV infection. Individuals may experience a significant decrease in appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss over time.

Weight loss in HIV patients can result from a combination of factors, including the virus's impact on metabolism and the body's ability to absorb nutrients.

Early Detection and Treatment

Early detection of HIV is crucial for initiating treatment and preventing disease progression. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above and suspect you may have been exposed to human immunodeficiency virus, it's essential to seek medical advice promptly. Human immunodeficiency virus testing is readily available and confidential, allowing individuals to know their status and access appropriate care and support.

Understanding the key symptoms of HIV is vital for early detection and timely intervention. By recognizing these symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly, individuals can access the necessary treatment and support to manage the virus effectively. Additionally, practicing safe sex and taking preventive measures, such as using condoms and avoiding needle sharing, can reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus transmission. Stay informed, stay proactive, and prioritize your health and well-being.

This story was created using AI technology.

The Connection Between Dry Mouth And COVID - Yahoo

You know that parched, sticky feeling on your tongue or lips that can strike when you're very thirsty? If it seems to be happening every day, it could be a case of dry mouth. You may be wondering if COVID is the sneaky cause behind your dry mouth, as the symptom can be an early warning sign of infection. But odds are there's another more common trigger. Whatever the culprit, research proves there are a wealth of easy, inexpensive fixes that can get your mouth feeling back to normal — fast!

Symptoms of dry mouth

Dry mouth, or what dentists call xerostemia, happens when you don't make enough saliva or spit. "This vital fluid not only moistens and protects the oral cavity, but also initiates the digestive process and aids in swallowing," explains Kami Hoss, DDS, a dentist in Chula Vista, California and author of If Your Mouth Could Talk.

You probably already know that dry mouth can leave your tongue and lips feeling positively desert-like. But a lack of saliva can cause other issues, too. If you have dry mouth, you might notice the follow symptoms:

Your mouth feels dry or sticky

Your saliva seems thick or stringy

You have a bad taste in your mouth, or your breath smells bad

You have trouble chewing, speaking, or swallowing

Your throat feels dry, sore, or hoarse

Your tongue feels dry or grooved

Lipstick leaves stains on your teeth

If you wear dentures, they might not fit the way they usually do

The most common causes of dry mouth 1. Menopause and aging

There are lots of things that can slow down your mouth's saliva-making factory. The number one culprit? "It's aging," says Melissa Calhoun, a RDH-MSDH, a dental hygienist in San Diego, California. "As we get older, the mucous membranes throughout our body tend to work less effectively, including the ones in our mouths. So we produce less saliva, and at a slower rate." And menopause only worsens dry mouth. Plunges in saliva-regulating estrogen levels leave menopausal up to 617% more likely to experience oral discomfort such as dry mouth. (Menopause can also trigger "down there" dryness too. Click through to see the best natural remedies for vaginal dryness.)

2. OTC and prescription medications

Certain medications can also leave you with a case of "cotton mouth" by suppressing the body's production of saliva. Some of the most common offenders include antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, high blood pressure medications, and some muscle relaxants and pain relievers. Breathing through your mouth (like if you're congested, snore or have sleep apnea) can make it dry too, Dr. Hoss says.

3. Diabetes and other chronic illnesses

Other common dry mouth triggers include diabetes, stroke, an oral yeast infection, tobacco or alcohol use, cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy or radiation), stress and nerve damage from a head or neck injury.

The salivary glands struggle to produce ample saliva as we ageOlha Pohrebniak/Getty

The connection between dry mouth and COVID

While age and underlying health conditions can play a role in sapping saliva production, dry mouth can sometimes be an early symptom of COVID-19, according to a study in the journal JAMA. "Published studies report up to 60% of patients reported dry mouth 3 to 4 days before the general infection began," explains Gary Weinstein, MD, a pulmonologist at Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas in Dallas, Texas.

If you notice signs of a dry mouth that started after you could have come into contact with COVID, such as attending a large gathering or public event, your first step is to do a home test. If it's positive, you may want to ask your doctor about treatment options that could speed recovery for those at risk of severe illness. But if you've ruled out a COVID infection and find your dry mouth troubles are still lingering, you'll want to read on for the best natural fixes.

The top 8 natural remedies for dry mouth

A dry mouth isn't just unpleasant (and a little stinky, thanks to its resulting bad breath). Over time, it can potentially lead to problems like cavities or gum disease, Dr. Hoss warns. Helping your mouth stay hydrated will keep you more comfortable — and keep your teeth protected, too. So what can you do to stave off that parched, lost-in-the-Sahara feeling? These easy, inexpensive strategies work wonders.

1. Sip a cold glass of mint water

Turns out one of the simplest remedies for dry mouth is one of the best: Drinking small sips of water throughout the day helps moisten your mouth. Calhoun explains that this keeps dryness from setting in. An easy way to boost the benefit? Add a sprig of fresh mint to your next glass of water. Not only is mint refreshing, it's been shown to fight that dry-mouth feeling better than plain water, according to one Journal of Pain and Symptom Management study. In fact, folks who sipped cold water infused with mint ice cubes experienced up to a 50% drop in the severity of their dry mouth symptoms. Mint's menthol stimulates saliva production, plus it cools irritation triggered by a parched mouth. (Click through to see how drinking cold water tones your vagus nerve to ease chronic stress.)

Dmitrii Ivanov/Getty

2. Go for a glycerin lozenge

Sucking on a throat lozenge encourage your mouth to make more saliva. The trick: opting for a sugar-free lozenge (sugar can worsen dry mouth) that's also made with glycerin. The compound coats your mouth and throat, according to UT Southwestern Medical Center experts, increasing oral moisture to thwart dry mouth. One to try: ACT Dry Mouth Lozenges (Buy from Amazon.Com, $ 6.48). (Click through to discover how to choose the right throat lozenge for other pesky symptoms.)

Also smart: Swishing with glycerin. Simply dilute a few drops of glycerin in a glass of water, swish it around your mouth, and spit. Glycerin attracts moisture, helping to ease symptoms of dry mouth for up to two hours, found a study published in the European Journal of Oral Sciences. One to try: Glycerin Supplier Food Grade Glycerin (Buy from Amazon.Com, $7.95).

3. Spritz with aloe

You know aloe as a skin soother for minor sunburns and irritation. But spritzing it directly into your mouth can also be a powerful way to keep dryness at bay. Simply fill a small spray bottle with water and a few drops of food-grade aloe vera. Then spritz your mouth whenever you're feeling parched (no need to rinse afterward!). Research shows aloe keeps your mouth moist longer than if you'd used just plain water.

That's because aloe is a humectant, meaning it has spongelike properties that draw in moisture and hold onto it.  In fact, aloe is so effective that the researchers found folks who used it three times daily experienced also so improvements in difficulty swallowing, saliva production, difficulty tasting foods and even waking up during the night due to thirst. (Click through for how aloe juice can help speed weight loss.)

4. Snack on juicy papaya

Papaya contains papain and bromelain, two natural enzymes that may thwart dry mouth. A study published in the International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Health found 100% of folks who took papaya enzymes daily experienced a marked improvement in their dry mouth and increased saliva flow for three hours. What's more, 77% of study participants reported feeling less thirsty, and 82% found their speech and swallowing dramatically improved.

Credit goes to bromelain's ability to increase the production of saliva and papain's ability to thin thick saliva that can make it hard to keep your mouth evenly moisturized. Aim for a cup of cubed papaya daily, or consider a supplement such as Nature's Life Bromelain & Papain (Buy from Amazon.Com, $35.99).

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5. Swap your mouthwash

One possible sneaky culprit behind dry mouth: your mouthwash. Formulas that contain ingredients like alcohol or peroxide will only make your mouth more parched, Dr. Hoss says. Make the swap to an alcohol-free formula instead. And for added relief, consider one that contains olive oil, betaine or xylitol. A study in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found that these ingredients increased saliva flow and decreased dry mouth. "Use it in the morning before you walk out the door and again at night before bed," Calhoun recommends. One to try: Spry Dental Defense Mouthwash with Xylitol (Buy from iHerb.Com, $7.99).

Also smart: Consider switching to a toothpaste made for dry mouth, too. "Look for ingredients like xylitol and sodium bicarbonate," which help boost saliva production, Dr. Hoss says. One to try: Biotene Fluoride Toothpaste (Buy from Amazon.Com, $6.72).

6. Switch on a humidifier

Humidifiers aren't just for soothing winter colds! They add more moisture to the air, which helps keep your mouth moist. And simply running a humidifier in your room at night can make your mouth feel more comfortable while you sleep and less dry and sticky in the morning, found a study published in the journal Head & Neck. Just don't overdo it. A little extra moisture is a good thing (keeping your indoor humidity level between 30% and 50%), but a rainforest-like atmosphere can up the risk for mold growth or dust mites. (Click through to our sister publication to learn how air conditioning can make you sick by recirculating mold)

7. Chew strawberry gum

Need relief on the go? Chewing a piece of strawberry-, apple- or watermelon-flavored gum can stop dry mouth in its tracks. A study in the Dental Research Journal finds the fruity flavors trick your body into producing more saliva by making your brain think you're about to eat a sweet dessert. Even better: Findings in the Archives of Oral Biology show these hydrating effects last for at least 2 hours.

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8. Try pine bark extract

Pycnogenol, also known as maritime pine, is a compound sourced from the bark of pine trees that grow wild along the French seaside — and a potent dry mouth soother. A study in the journal Minerva Stomatologica found that within two weeks of taking 150 mg. Of Pycnogenol daily, the super-antioxidant improves microcirculation to salivary glands, boosting saliva production up to 83%.

When to see a dentist for dry mouth

Very stubborn cases of dry mouth might need prescription-strength relief, especially if the dryness is caused by an underlying health condition. Ask your dentist about oral medications like Salagen or Evoxac, which work by stimulating your mouth to make more saliva.

It's also a good idea to let your dentist know if your mouth seems uncomfortably dry most days. They can help you figure out if your dry mouth has a root cause that can be fixed, like adjusting a medication or treating sleep apnea, Dr. Hoss says.

Even if there is no underlying health issue (such as COVID-triggered dry mouth), looping in your dentist is still a smart move, since dry mouth increases the risk for cavities and gum disease. They can keep a close eye on your teeth and gums to catch dental problems sooner, keeping your smile healthy.

Read on for more ways to outsmart dryness from head to toe:

MDs Reveal The Best Natural Remedies for 'Down There' Dryness

Is Your Skin Dry and Itchy? It Could Be a Sign of This Serious Health Condition

How to Get Natural Relief for Itchy, Dry Eyes

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