Dr. Arna J. Morgan

Dear Readers:

Ralph writes Lifeline from a Kingston 17 address. In recent months he has noticed that he is suffering from a dry mouth and a very dry tongue. He asks Lifeline what is the cause of it and asks what can be taken to eliminate the problem.

Ralph really needs to be examined by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) to determine the possible presence of any obstruction to nasal breathing, especially at night when the ambience temperature drops. If the nose becomes congested at that time, then the person tends to mouth breathe and can dry out the mouth secretions. The subsequent discomfort can persist for the entire day, especially if the surrounding environment is hot and the person is not drinking enough liquids. Ralph also needs to have his sinuses examined as sinus congestion and post nasal drainage often affects the diameter of the nasal passage (decreasing the diameter) and this can also lead to mouth breathing (and hence, mouth dryness).

The physician will need to make sure at examination that no growth is obstructing the back of the nose which can also cause mouth breathing and dryness of the tongue and mouth.

Angiofibromas are non-malignant growths which occur in adolescents and early adulthood. Cancers also occur in the back of the nose, often at the extremes of age, the very young and the elderly.

These too dry out secretions and cause dryness. Growth to the tongue and the back of the throat can lead to mouth breathing but are usually associated with pain and are unlikely to be a cause of mouth dryness in Ralph's case.

In order to combat mouth and tongue dryness:

Drink six-eight glasses of water daily

Avoid dusty environments

Avoid inhaling industrial or cosmetic chemicals within the environment.

In case Ralph is taking oral medications these too will need to be assessed as a possible cause of mouth dryness.

Some drugs which are associated with a dry mouth are:

Antihistamines

Antidepressants (especially Tricyclic and oxidase inhibitors)

Anti-psychotic drugs (eg chlorpromazine, stelazine mellecil)

Anti-parkinsonion agents (eg Sinemet)

Some Anti-hypertensive drugs.

If increasing fluid intake, avoiding dusty environment and changing medications associated with oral dryness do not significantly improve Ralph's dry mouth and tongue. Then Ralph must see a family physician or ear nose and throat specialist for thorough examination and assessment.

Write to:

Lifeline

PO Box 1731

Kingston 8

AJM