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Controversies in the Management of Pediatric Sialorrhea

  • Pediatric Airway and Voice (K. Zur and D. Mehta, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Sialorrhea or drooling is the unintentional loss of saliva from the mouth. Considered pathological if it persists after the age of 4 years, sialorrhea is more common in patients with neurological conditions. It is typically caused by an inability to swallow saliva frequently or efficiently, rather than by an excessive production of saliva. This comprehensive review will discuss current management options used in the treatment of sialorrhea. These include rehabilitative options such as oral-motor and behavior therapy; medical treatments such as anti-cholinergics and botulinum toxin; and surgical interventions intended to either decrease salivary secretion or divert salivary flow. The plethora of possibilities is a testament to the lack of a single, universally accepted effective treatment. Controversies will be highlighted based on data in the literature as well as the author’s rich experience at a saliva management referral center.

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  1. Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, 2300 Tupper, B-240, Montreal, QC, H3H 1P3, Canada

    Sam J. Daniel

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  1. Sam J. Daniel
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Correspondence to Sam J. Daniel.

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Daniel, S.J. Controversies in the Management of Pediatric Sialorrhea. Curr Otorhinolaryngol Rep 3, 1–8 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-014-0073-6

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