Your symptoms of persistent excess saliva for nearly 2 years, especially the sensation of saliva collecting at the tip of your tongue and difficulty speaking, are most consistent with chronic hypersalivation (sialorrhea) or sometimes a sensory/oral control issue rather than true overproduction. Since you don’t have other major symptoms, common causes include allergies with post-nasal drip, acid reflux (silent reflux), anxiety-related oral awareness, or mild oral-motor coordination issues, all of which can make saliva feel excessive even if production is normal. The fact that it significantly affects your speech suggests that both physical and sensory factors may be involved. You should consider evaluation by an ENT specialist and possibly a speech/swallow therapist, who can assess saliva control and teach techniques to manage it. Treatments may include managing allergies, trying anti-reflux therapy, practicing swallowing and tongue-position exercises, or in some cases medications that reduce saliva production. Since this has been long-standing and impactful, a targeted, multidisciplinary approach (ENT + speech therapy) will likely give the best results rather than relying on medication alone.
Hi Max, thanks for sharing your history. Here’s a crisp breakdown of possible causes for your 2 years of excess saliva and speech difficulty:
· Allergy‑driven hypersalivation – Chronic nasal congestion or postnasal drip (common with allergies) can trigger reflex salivation, even without other symptoms. · Medication side effect – Some allergy meds (e.g., antihistamines) can paradoxically cause thick saliva or altered swallow, but you’ve tried prescriptions – specify which? · Silent reflux (LPR) – Stomach acid reaching the throat can stimulate saliva production without heartburn; very common at your age. · Neuromuscular swallow issue – Mild incoordination of tongue/throat muscles (no other symptoms is reassuring, but isolated drooling/speech effort warrants a neurology check). · Dental/oral causes – Ill‑fitting crowns, tongue position, or chronic tonsil stones.
Next steps: See an ENT and a neurologist. Request a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and allergy re‑assessment. Avoid anticholinergic meds (dry mouth pills) unless prescribed – they can worsen speech.
Dr Nikhil Chauhan
Excess saliva with difficulty speaking for almost 2 years is usually not dangerous, but it does need proper evaluation because persistent symptoms suggest an underlying cause rather than a temporary issue.
One common reason is overproduction of saliva or difficulty controlling it, which can happen with chronic mouth or throat irritation, allergies, acid reflux, anxiety, or certain medications. Since this person has a history of allergies, post-nasal drip or throat irritation could be contributing. Another possibility is oral muscle coordination issues (sometimes mild and subtle), dental or tongue problems, or less commonly nerve-related conditions affecting swallowing or speech. Occasionally, people feel excess saliva because they swallow less frequently due to discomfort or anxiety while speaking.
Because this has lasted nearly two years and significantly affects communication, the next step should be a focused medical review rather than trying home remedies alone. A doctor may consider examining the mouth and throat, reviewing medications, and possibly referring to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist or a speech/swallow specialist. Tests are often simple, such as a physical exam, allergy evaluation, or checking for reflux.
Seek more urgent medical attention if any of these appear: choking while swallowing, drooling during sleep, weight loss, slurred speech, weakness in the face or tongue, or difficulty swallowing food or liquids.
In short, the most likely causes are allergy-related irritation, reflux, medication effects, or a swallowing/speech coordination issue, and the appropriate next step is evaluation by a clinician—preferably an ENT—since the symptom has been persistent and impacts daily life.
Hi Max, thanks for sharing your experience—excess saliva can be really frustrating, especially when it affects your speech and confidence. Let’s break down what might be going on and what you can do next.
### Why Might You Have Excess Saliva? - Saliva Overproduction (Hypersalivation): Sometimes, the salivary glands produce more saliva than usual. This can be triggered by acid reflux, dental issues, certain medications, or even anxiety. - Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): If you’re not able to swallow saliva efficiently, it can build up in your mouth. This can happen with throat or neurological issues, but often it’s just a mild functional problem. - Mouth or Throat Irritation: Chronic irritation from allergies, infections, or acid reflux can stimulate saliva production. - Dental or Oral Health Issues: Sometimes, dental problems or poorly fitting dental appliances can cause excess saliva.
### What You Can Try - Check for triggers: Notice if certain foods, drinks, or situations make it worse. - Maintain oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly, and consider a dental check-up. - Stay hydrated: Sometimes, dehydration can paradoxically cause more saliva. - Try swallowing exercises: Practicing swallowing can help manage saliva buildup.
### When to See a Doctor - If you have trouble swallowing, changes in speech, or any other neurological symptoms. - If the problem is affecting your daily life and confidence, a visit to an ENT specialist or a speech therapist can help pinpoint the cause.
You’re not alone—this is a common issue, and there are ways to manage it.
Thank you
Excess saliva, also known as hypersalivation or sialorrhea, combined with speaking difficulties can be caused by various conditions. Considering you’ve been experiencing this issue for two years, it’s important to investigate potential causes. A common factor might be oral or dental problems like periodontal disease or ill-fitting dental braces or appliances that might be stimulating saliva production. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) could also cause these symptoms, but these are rare at your age. Another possibility could be medication side effects, including certain antipsychotics or medications used for anxiety that can increase saliva production. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) might contribute to excess saliva as well. It’s essential to get a thorough examination from a healthcare professional who may recommend tests to pinpoint the underlying cause. You may require imaging studies or referrals to specialists such as a neurologist or a gastroenterologist depending on initial clinical findings. In the meantime, chewing gum or sucking on sugar-free lozenges can help manage saliva flow until you can discuss more definitive treatment based on a proper diagnosis. If you experience worsening symptoms, like difficulty swallowing or drooling, seek medical advice promptly as these might warrant more urgent evaluation to ensure your safety and well-being.
