However, polypharmacy is thought to be the major cause in this group, with no significant decreases in salivary flow rate being likely to occur through aging alone. Drug induced
Aside from physiologic causes of xerostomia, iatrogenic effects of medications are the most common cause. A medication which is known to cause xerostomia may be termed xerogenic. Over 400 medications are associated with xerostomia. Although drug induced xerostomia is commonly reversible, the conditions for which these medications are prescribed are frequently chronic. The likelihood of xerostomia increases in relation to the total number of medications taken, whether the individual medications are xerogenic or not. The sensation of dryness usually starts shortly after starting the offending medication or after increasing the dose. Anticholinergic, sympathomimetic, or diuretic drugs are usually responsible. Sjögrens syndrome
Xerostomia may be caused by autoimmune conditions which damage saliva-producing cells. Sjögrens syndrome is one such disease, and it is associated with symptoms including fatigue, myalgia and arthralgia. The disease is characterised by inflammatory changes in the moisture-producing glands throughout the body, leading to reduced secretions from glands that produce saliva, tears and other secretions throughout the body. Primary Sjögrens syndrome is the combination of dry eyes and xerostomia. Secondary Sjögrens syndrome is identical to primary form but with the addition of a combination of other connective tissue disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis. Celiac disease
Xerostomia may be the only symptom of celiac disease, especially in adults, who often have no obvious digestive symptoms.
Microgenia is the medical term for an unusually small or deformed chin.The contrasting condition, an enlarged chin, is called "macrogenia". Causes
Can occur in anyone, but is often a sign of Down syndrome. == References ==