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Excess of saliva

(10 Posts)
Franbern Thu 25-Sept-25 12:22:37

About yea ago, I started having the problem of excessive saliva. Particularly a problem at night. I am a side sleeper, and I need to change pillow cases every other day. Was a nuisance also during day where if I leaned forward, I would find saliva dripping out of my mouth. Did go to a GP, well actually saw a practice nurse who put me on Carbocisteine tabs x 6 a day. Not sure if these help or not, scared to stop them in case things get worse.
Then about nine months ago, found two small lumps in my neck under my jaw. Trip to DR and was sent for extra check up at Dentist. No dental problems, so was sent to specialist who told me 'Nothing to worry about - just swollen saliva glands'.
I have been trying to train myself to back sleep now, and this does stop those horrible wet pillowcases.
I am due to attend sleep clinic in a few weeks time to collect a CPAP machine as I have been diagnosed (finally) with Sleep Apnoea. Will try to talk to them at that appointment if I am given a chance.

The extra saliva in my mouth is very embarrassing. Just wondered if anyone out there has anything similar and how they coped.

Labradora Thu 25-Sept-25 14:49:58

Are the medicos sure that your Salivary Glands aren't blocked ?
My OH is allergic to Aspirin so if he takes it he produces excess saliva/dribbles.
I'm not medically qualified in any way whatsoever just thought might be helpful/relevant.

4allweknow Sat 27-Sept-25 14:39:34

Swollen saliva glands but no thought as to why they are swollen or treatment. Can you ask for a second opinion? Surely if they are swollen something caused them to be so. Hope what has been planned does work.

Bluedaisy Sat 27-Sept-25 14:56:40

I have the opposite problem unfortunately, constant dry mouth which drives me mad. If I were you I would ask my GP to refer me to a ENT specialist at your local hospital as you want a second opinion and it’s interfering with your life. It would be sensible to get a proper opinion on your swollen glands as well.

Knittypamela Sat 27-Sept-25 15:02:22

Im quite a lot like you. My pillow gets wet but my mouth is unbearably dry at night. I have a small swelling under my jaw. Went to the dentist, she said it wasn't dental. Went to my GP, he says she couldn't know it wasn't dental without an x-ray. Told me to go back to her but I have up, feeling neither of them wanted to help.

keepingquiet Sat 27-Sept-25 15:35:58

I'm not sure why you were prescribed carbocysteine because this could be making the problem worse?

Franbern Sat 27-Sept-25 16:15:32

keeping quiet, I was prescibed Carbocysteine, by a Respitory Nurse, after I had complained to her about my excessive drooling. I assumed this was to dry it up, but have now read more about it and will say I wish to discontinue this when I see her on my next appointment.
knittypamela, oh yes, that horrible wet pillowcase. Like you the two small lumps have been brushed aside, as unimportant.
I was told they are blocked salivery glands,

Annewilko Sat 27-Sept-25 17:16:39

Franbern

About yea ago, I started having the problem of excessive saliva. Particularly a problem at night. I am a side sleeper, and I need to change pillow cases every other day. Was a nuisance also during day where if I leaned forward, I would find saliva dripping out of my mouth. Did go to a GP, well actually saw a practice nurse who put me on Carbocisteine tabs x 6 a day. Not sure if these help or not, scared to stop them in case things get worse.
Then about nine months ago, found two small lumps in my neck under my jaw. Trip to DR and was sent for extra check up at Dentist. No dental problems, so was sent to specialist who told me 'Nothing to worry about - just swollen saliva glands'.
I have been trying to train myself to back sleep now, and this does stop those horrible wet pillowcases.
I am due to attend sleep clinic in a few weeks time to collect a CPAP machine as I have been diagnosed (finally) with Sleep Apnoea. Will try to talk to them at that appointment if I am given a chance.

The extra saliva in my mouth is very embarrassing. Just wondered if anyone out there has anything similar and how they coped.

When i finally got a cpap machine, I found could easily sleep on my back. I think with OSA we naturally move towards side sleeping. Hope the machine helps, it's been fantastic for me.

Nurseundercover Sat 27-Sept-25 23:34:11

Carbocisteine is for the reduction of sputum viscosity, and will not help reduce hypersalivation. Please make an appointment with your GP there are more appropriate drugs that can be prescribed in tablet and patch form. Also it is vital that they investigate further the cause of your enlarged salivary glands, and if they are blocked need draining to prevent infection. Unfortunately we now need to be more forthright when it comes to having our needs met at the GP surgery’s. Don’t think you are being a nuisance, it is your right and I would go so far as to say you are entitled to a second opinion. Good luck hope it is soon resolved.

valdavi Sun 28-Sept-25 17:39:24

If I were you , I would do what the opticians advise for dry eyes - blink, blink, blink. In your case, swallow, swallow, swallow, whether you have the reflex to do it or not.