Doctor Alexander Myasnikov: dry mouth can occur as a sign of both less and more serious disorders.
Doctor Myasnikov spoke on the set of his program about dry mouth as a sign of disease. The famous Russian doctor noted that its appearance can indicate various health problems – their spectrum is extensive and includes deviations of varying degrees of severity.
“Based on this symptom, we can identify certain diseases – polyps, sleep apnea, injuries, neoplasms of the oral cavity,” he explained.
Myasnikov added that dry mouth as a real medical problem should be diagnosed correctly. In particular, when determining it, the doctor should ask the patient three questions: first, how long has such dryness been felt (3 months – more or less); second, is there a need to drink water at night; third, does the person drink water with food. The patient's answers allow specialists to understand quite accurately whether dry mouth is an exclusively subjective sensation or is it really a symptom caused by some disease.
Alexander Myasnikov clarified that in many cases such dryness is caused by Sjogren's disease, which is an autoimmune disease in which the lacrimal and salivary glands are affected, rheumatoid problems arise. In addition, it is often caused by dental problems or a deviated septum with impaired nasal breathing.
Myasnikov reminded women that this problem often develops due to the onset of menopause and then, with age, only worsens. According to him, up to 30% of women aged 60 and older experience dry mouth, but this is a normal, not pathological phenomenon.
Earlier, the MedikForum.ru portal wrote about what dangerous diseases persistent hiccups can indicate.
Important! The information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
Alexander Myasnikov Health general practitioner, cardiologist, chief physician of City Clinical Hospital No. 71 (Moscow), TV and radio host.