Sialorrhoea
Pronunciation: sy-al-oh-REE-ah
Excessive production or perceived pooling of saliva in the oral cavity, also referred to as hypersalivation or ptyalism.
Full Definition
Sialorrhoea denotes an increase in salivary flow rate beyond normal physiological limits, or, in some usages, the subjective sensation of excess saliva even when objective flow rates are normal. True sialorrhoea can result from neuromuscular disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy), drug side-effects (e.g., clozapine), local irritants, or gastrointestinal reflux. It is the clinical and terminological opposite of xerostomia. Editors should note the British spelling 'sialorrhoea' versus the American 'sialorrhea', and must not confuse it with the related but distinct terms 'drooling' (anterior spillage) or 'hypersalivation' (which some authors use synonymously while others distinguish by aetiology).
Usage
Usage note: Use 'sialorrhoea' (British) or 'sialorrhea' (American) consistently throughout the document. Do not switch between spellings within a single manuscript.
In Context
- "The patient's sialorrhoea was attributed to a recent change in antipsychotic medication." — Oral medicine clinic letter
- "Sialorrhoea, not to be confused with drooling caused by poor lip seal, was confirmed by objective sialometry." — Clinical review article