Dryness of Mouth in an Elderly Male

Medical Case Details:

A 65-year-old male, a director by profession, presented with a complaint of throat dryness. He is a known case of frozen shoulder and has been advised to take anti-inflammatory drugs. He reported no other symptoms. He is not a known case of diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, or any other systemic illness. The management approach considered possible drug-induced xerostomia and aimed to identify and minimize contributing factors.

Discussions

Dr. Sally Attalah
Dentist

Physiotherapy could be beneficial

02.May, 01:51am

Dr. Sidra Arshad
Family Physician

Lozenges and proper hydration might be helpful. Also proper ENT evaluation of mucous membranes and any pathology locally.

ESR and ANA to rule out autoimmune causes.

13.May, 08:09pm

Dr. Fadel Saibou
Urologist

Greetings
The most probable diagnosis is Drug-Induced Xerostomia but other possible situations are:
1- Age-Related Salivary Gland Hypofunction
2- Dehydratation
3- Sjögren's Syndrome
4- Oral Candidiasis
5- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
6- Chronique Mouth Breathing (due to nasal obstruction)
7- Medication Side Effets (other than NSAIDs) like Antihistamines, Antidepressants, Diuretics, Anticholinergics.
Investigations if symptoms persist:
1- Salivary flow rate ( for Sjögren's Syndrome)
2- Oral examination(for Candidiasis or mucosal changes)
3- Autoantibody testing ( ANA, anti-SSI/SSB)
4- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease évaluation (if reflux symptoms present)

15.May, 05:08pm

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