An evidence-based approach to the child who drools saliva

Clin Otolaryngol. 2009 Jun;34(3):236-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-4486.2009.01917.x.

Abstract

Background: Drooling is a common dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy and may also affect neurologically unimpaired children. It causes significant social handicap to both children and their families.

Methods: The data in this article are supported by a Medline search (November 2008) utilising the keywords drooling, sialorrhea, botulinum toxin, salivary duct ligation and also by the use of the personal bibliographies of the senior authors.

Results: The majority of the published literature for drooling is of level III/IV evidence.

Conclusion: Multiple therapeutic interventions are available for paediatric drooling. These are most appropriately introduced in a stepwise progression from behaviour therapy, to pharmacotherapy to surgical procedures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use
  • Cerebral Palsy / complications
  • Child
  • Cholinergic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical History Taking
  • Muscarinic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Neuromuscular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Orthodontic Appliances
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures
  • Patient Care Team
  • Saliva*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sialorrhea / complications
  • Sialorrhea / diagnosis
  • Sialorrhea / therapy*
  • Trihexyphenidyl / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Cholinergic Antagonists
  • Muscarinic Antagonists
  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Trihexyphenidyl
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A