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What Causes Excessive Saliva Production, Bloating And Constipation With History Of GERD?
Question: Hi,
My name is XXXXXXX and I am experiencing excessive saliva production especially after I eat or do any physical exercise. It feels as though the saliva is stuck in my throat and I need to clear my throat often. My stomach often feels full and bloated after I eat and I sometimes feel constipated too. I maintain a pretty healthy diet (don't eat much fatty or fried foods) and do not have any major allergies other than tree/grass pollen (usually just in the spring time). Do you think the my symptoms sound like gastro reflux? I have had problems with GERD in the past however I am not feeling the burning pain in my stomach that I used to unless I drink too much alcohol. Is there any over the counter medications you would recommend for my symptoms? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.
XXXXXXX
My name is XXXXXXX and I am experiencing excessive saliva production especially after I eat or do any physical exercise. It feels as though the saliva is stuck in my throat and I need to clear my throat often. My stomach often feels full and bloated after I eat and I sometimes feel constipated too. I maintain a pretty healthy diet (don't eat much fatty or fried foods) and do not have any major allergies other than tree/grass pollen (usually just in the spring time). Do you think the my symptoms sound like gastro reflux? I have had problems with GERD in the past however I am not feeling the burning pain in my stomach that I used to unless I drink too much alcohol. Is there any over the counter medications you would recommend for my symptoms? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Recommendations
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thank you for providing a good medical history here!
Given that you had problems with GERD in the past, it would be reasonable to try a medication for GERD with low risk of side effects and see if it helps. You can try Zantac 150 mg twice a day for 5 days. If you notice the problem decreases on the medicine, continue to take it for 4-6 weeks and do other GERD lifestyle changes such as eliminating alcohol and peppermint, decreasing caffeine and citrus, spicy, and other foods you have found that caused you GERD symptoms in the past. Don't eat for a couple hours before going to bed.
However, there can be other causes for producing too much saliva, so if the Zyrtec doesn't help, it is time to see a doctor for an exam. Excess saliva can be due to either producing too much, or not being able to clear it fast enough. There are medications to help dry up secretions, such as anticholinergic medications (the older classes of antihistamines are an example), but I wouldn't want to recommend that until you know what the cause is. And for that, please go in for an exam, where your doctor can palpate your salivary glands and also have a look in the back of your throat.
One last thing - sometimes people find that mouthwash helps (possibly because of the drying effect). You can try to use a small amount of it after you eat.
Recommendations
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thank you for providing a good medical history here!
Given that you had problems with GERD in the past, it would be reasonable to try a medication for GERD with low risk of side effects and see if it helps. You can try Zantac 150 mg twice a day for 5 days. If you notice the problem decreases on the medicine, continue to take it for 4-6 weeks and do other GERD lifestyle changes such as eliminating alcohol and peppermint, decreasing caffeine and citrus, spicy, and other foods you have found that caused you GERD symptoms in the past. Don't eat for a couple hours before going to bed.
However, there can be other causes for producing too much saliva, so if the Zyrtec doesn't help, it is time to see a doctor for an exam. Excess saliva can be due to either producing too much, or not being able to clear it fast enough. There are medications to help dry up secretions, such as anticholinergic medications (the older classes of antihistamines are an example), but I wouldn't want to recommend that until you know what the cause is. And for that, please go in for an exam, where your doctor can palpate your salivary glands and also have a look in the back of your throat.
One last thing - sometimes people find that mouthwash helps (possibly because of the drying effect). You can try to use a small amount of it after you eat.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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