Xerostomia
Pronunciation: zeer-oh-STOH-mee-ah
The subjective sensation of oral dryness, which may or may not be accompanied by objectively reduced salivary flow.
Full Definition
Xerostomia is the patient-reported complaint of a dry mouth and is a common side effect of numerous medications, radiation therapy to the head and neck, and systemic conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome. Editors working in dental research must distinguish xerostomia from hyposalivation, which is the objective measurement of reduced salivary output (typically defined as an unstimulated whole salivary flow rate of less than 0.1 mL/min). A patient may report xerostomia without measurable hyposalivation, and vice versa. In patient-reported outcome instruments and oral health quality-of-life questionnaires, xerostomia is a frequently measured endpoint. The term should not be used interchangeably with 'hyposalivation' in a research context.
Usage
Usage note: Do not conflate with 'hyposalivation.' Xerostomia is always a subjective, patient-reported symptom; hyposalivation is an objective clinical measurement. This distinction is essential in methods and outcome sections.
In Context
- "Participants completed the Xerostomia Inventory at each visit to capture the subjective impact of salivary dysfunction." — Patient-reported outcomes section of a clinical trial
- "The authors use 'xerostomia' and 'hyposalivation' interchangeably throughout—these are distinct clinical entities and must be defined and differentiated." — Peer reviewer comment