Symptom 5: Excessive Drooling
Saliva, typically an unnoticed component of our oral cavity, suddenly takes center stage with megaesophagus. Excessive drooling, medically termed as sialorrhea, isn’t just a messy inconvenience. It’s often the body’s response to the inability to swallow saliva efficiently, which collects in the mouth and then overflows.
While it’s natural for our salivary glands to produce saliva—it aids in digestion and keeps our mouth moist—what’s not usual is the body’s inability to manage this flow. With megaesophagus, the usual act of swallowing, which helps manage saliva production, becomes compromised, leading to an accumulation.
Drooling is more than just a physical symptom. It brings along a slew of emotional and social implications. There’s the constant need to wipe one’s mouth, the self-consciousness of appearing unkempt, and the potential embarrassment in social situations. This seemingly straightforward symptom can become a significant source of anxiety, affecting interpersonal interactions and overall self-esteem.
Excessive saliva, if left unchecked, can also have repercussions on oral health. A perpetually wet environment can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to bad breath and even gum diseases. It’s not just about managing the flow, but also ensuring that the oral cavity remains clean and healthy. (5)
