Dry mouth is associated with a wide range of diseases and disorders. In some cases, it is not clear whether the disease itself causes the dry mouth symptoms, or whether those symptoms are related to the medications used to treat the disease. Either situation is problematic for the patient, because the underlying cause cannot usually be treated. The patient, therefore, must address the symptoms of dry mouth with over-the-counter or prescription remedies, as instructed by the physician.
The following are brief overviews of five disorders associated with dry mouth.
Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of exocrine glands, which produce proteins and/or mucus within the body. The salivary and other glands, under attack by white blood cells, limit their production—causing dry eyes and dry mouth as the most obvious symptoms.
The disorder can occur in the body by itself or in conjunction with another autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Sjögren’s is far more common in women than in men, and tends to appear at middle age. According to Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation,1 up to 4 million Americans live with Sjögren’s.
Diabetes
Poorly controlled diabetes can cause damage to the salivary glands, which results in decreased saliva production. Even well controlled diabetics, however, are at risk of dry mouth—often resulting from medications. Hundreds of drugs in several classes are thought to have dry mouth as a side effect. These drug classes include those used to treat blood pressure, anxiety, inflammation, and allergies, all symptoms that can plague a diabetic. Diabetics who smoke or do not stay properly hydrated are even more likely to experience chronic dry mouth.
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes inflammation. This inflammation can occur throughout the body, but tends to begin in the lungs or lymph nodes. The salivary glands can become inflamed as well, and this would cause a decrease in saliva and the associated dry mouth discomfort.
Not enough is known about the causes of sarcoidosis. Experts do believe that it afflicts black individuals in the U.S. more than white individuals. But women and men are equally targeted. Up until the mid-20th century, sarcoidosis was believed to be relatively uncommon in the U.S., but it has long been a recognized disease in Scandinavian countries. Sarcoidosis tends to appear between the ages of 20 and 40.
Amyloidosis
The term amyloidosis refers to a group of diseases that involves the build-up of proteins in the body. This build-up causes organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidney, or spleen, to malfunction. When an individual with amyloidosis has dry mouth (along with other symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, intolerance to heat, and gastrointestinal problems), this possibly indicates a broader failure of the autonomic nervous system.
Amyloidosis occurs most often in individuals older than 40, and its exact cause is unknown. According to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine, eight in every 1 million people is afflicted with the disease.2
HIV/AIDS
Dry mouth in itself is not a sign of HIV or AIDS, although dry mouth is often associated with these diseases. As with Sjögren’s Syndrome, HIV infection can cause damage to the salivary glands, which creates an imbalance in salivary production. Dry mouth can also be caused by the medications used to treat HIV/AIDS and related complications, or by the anxiety of living with one of these conditions.