If you’ve ever wondered “can allergies cause dry mouth?”, you might have struggled to discover a concrete response. Allergies themselves do not give you dry mouth, but a number of factors connecting to allergies can result in this side effect. So the response to the question is yes: allergic reactions can indirectly lead to dryness of the mouth (likewise known as xerostomia), along with all the potential complications that accompany the condition.
Dry mouth isn’t a major medical condition by itself. But it’s often a symptom of another underlying medical issue that needs treatment.
Allergies and Dry Mouth
There are 3 primary links in between allergic reactions and a dry mouth, consisting of:
- Hay fever: which is brought on by a substantial number of allergies – is a common culprit, inning accordance with the Asthma and Allergic reaction Foundation of America (AAFA). This results in congestion of the sinus cavity. When your nasal passages are obstructed, you’re required to breathe through your mouth more than normal. Your mouth tissues then end up being dry from continuous contact with air and the presence of bacteria.
- The absence of fluids that accompanies allergic rhinitis can make you end up being slightly dehydrated.
- Antihistamines, which are suggested by doctors and pharmacists to treat allergies, are a known reason for dry mouth.
So, can allergies cause dry mouth in human? Yes, definitely. What’s next?
How Dry Mouth Affects Your Health
Having a dry mouth for a short time isn’t most likely to have a long-lasting result on your health, however if you have chronic allergic reactions, it’s possible you’ll experience dry mouth for several years. This can cause issues for both your oral and general health, states the Oral Cancer Foundation. Prospective issues consist of a persistent sore throat and hoarseness, along with problem swallowing and speaking (which, inning accordance with the Mayo Clinic, could negatively affect your diet) along with the advancement of plaque – resulting in dental cavities and gum disease. In addition, you might experience mouth and canker sores and/or infections in your mouth.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
It’s simple to acknowledge the symptoms of dry mouth. They can include a dry sensation in your throat that makes it tough for you to swallow, in addition to problems speaking, chewing or tasting your food. You might also have a dry tongue and split lips, in addition to sores or infections in your mouth tissues, including the sides of the tongue and the within your cheeks.
Experiencing any of these symptoms would be a need to visit your doctor. If you’re taking medication for your allergic reactions, it’s possible this is making the issue worse. Rather of asking your doctor “can allergic reactions cause dry mouth?” it may be in your interest to discuss your antihistamine instead.
Treatment and Prevention
It’s practically impossible to avoid allergies totally, however you can treat them with antihistamines, corticosteroids and decongestants, among other solutions, states the AAFA. Some patients find relief through naturopathic treatments and alternative options such as acupuncture, while others gain from using alcohol-free mouth rinses like Mouthwash, which can be used two times a day.
For the bulk, nevertheless, it comes down to picking between suffering with dry mouth triggered by medication or their original allergy. The latter can be harmful to your health and still provide you dry mouth through dehydration and congestion. Your best choice is to discuss the problem with your doctor and search for an antihistamine that has less impacts on your mouth, and to maintain your oral hygiene through the use of products specially created for this function.