Question
What should I do about dry mouth? For over a year, I’ve been experiencing dry mouth upon waking up in the morning, followed by a full stomach after meals, even though my appetite isn’t great and I don’t drink much water. It seems as if there’s no place for hunger; even having a little porridge and some vegetables for dinner makes me feel full. I even want to drink some milk, but I feel like there’s no space for it. Moreover, I’m not inactive; I keep moving and looking for something to do, but nothing seems to work. What could be the cause? Are there any good solutions?
Answer
Dry mouth is not a standalone disease; it is a symptom caused by various factors. Here are some possible causes of dry mouth: Physiological factors include insufficient water intake, eating too much salty or dry food, intense exercise after meals, stress, or anxiety. Normal elderly individuals may also experience dry mouth due to the shrinkage of salivary glands. Pathological factors include colds, vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, rhinitis, sinusitis, deviated nasal septum, asthma, sleep apnea, diabetes, pituitary tumors, and dry syndrome. Treatment methods need to be determined based on the specific cause. For example, increasing water intake, adjusting dietary structure, using humidifiers, and treating related diseases. Dry mouth may require diagnosis and treatment in combination with other symptoms. If the dry mouth problem persists or becomes severe, it is recommended to consult a doctor for professional evaluation and treatment.