A mouth filling with saliva (hypersalivation) and feeling sick (nausea) often signals issues like acid reflux (GERD) triggering saliva to dilute acid, infections (tonsillitis, strep), pregnancy, certain medications, or neurological problems; the body produces extra saliva as a protective response, so seeing a doctor to diagnose the root cause like reflux, infection, or medication side effects is key for proper treatment.
Acid reflux can cause nausea, difficulty swallowing, and hypersalivation. Other symptoms include heartburn, a bitter taste in the mouth, and regurgitation of food or fluids. Several causes of esophagitis, including GERD, medications, or infections, can result in nausea and hypersalivation.
In the adult population it can be associated with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease (MND) and stroke. Contrary to popular belief, drooling is rarely caused by hypersalivation but is more often related to neuromuscular and/or sensory dysfunction in the oral stage of the swallow1.
Managing excess saliva and drooling
While a normal amount of saliva is essential for swallowing and digesting food as well as protecting the mouth from infections, excess saliva can lead to issues such as unpleasant breath, chapping of lips, and taste loss. A significant amount of swallowing, spitting, or drooling are common signs of ptyalism.
Pellagra: A condition caused by niacin deficiency, characterized by excessive saliva production. Rabies: If excessive saliva is linked to rabies, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Excess saliva, also known as hypersalivation, can be a result of reflux. As a response to the irritation caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, your body may make more saliva to dissolve the acid. It's a defense mechanism meant to keep the stomach acid from doing too much damage.
Causes of Excessive Saliva
Drooling in infants and toddlers is normal and may often happen while they're teething. Drooling or hypersalivation in adults is usually associated with infections or nervous system disorders. Hypersalivation in adults is primarily caused by: Mononucleosis or sinus infections.
While some people find flat, cool Coke helps with nausea by providing sugar and hydration, it's often considered a medical myth, with many experts recommending flat ginger ale or water instead, as caffeine and carbonation in regular Coke can sometimes worsen symptoms, though its phosphoric acid might have a mild antiemetic effect in some cases. For many, sipping cold, flat soda is a comfort, but it's generally better to stick to clear, non-caffeinated fluids like water, ginger tea, or electrolyte drinks, and avoid diet versions.
It is well known that sour and/or carbonated foods and drinks increase saliva secretion and trigger the swallowing reflex.
Infected or swollen salivary glands often go away on their own or with conservative treatment. But if you have lingering symptoms, such as swelling, pain, fever or difficulty swallowing, call your healthcare provider right away.
Yes, anxiety and stress can sometimes lead to hypersalivation. Stress may trigger the body's “fight or flight” response, which can increase saliva production. Finding ways to manage stress, such as meditation, exercise, or speaking to a therapist, may help reduce symptoms.
What are the symptoms of dysphagia in people with MS? The symptoms include but are not limited to: Difficulty keeping food or liquids in your mouth when eating or drinking. Excessive drooling.
Although less common, vomiting can occur with GERD. Beware of vomit that is green or yellow in color or looks like coffee grounds, as this may indicate bile or blood.
One of the more serious, yet rare, causes of hypersalivation is poisoning. Saliva production can go into overdrive following a bite from spider or reptile venom, eating poisonous mushrooms, or poisoning caused by mercury, or copper.
Nausea. Acid overflow or backwash may make you feel queasy or make you lose your appetite. Although you may have eaten a while ago, it may feel like there's still more food to digest.
To relieve nausea fast, try sipping ginger or peppermint tea, eating bland foods like crackers or toast, getting fresh air, using aromatherapy (lemon/peppermint), or trying acupressure at the P6 point on your wrist, focusing on hydration with small sips of clear fluids and avoiding strong smells or greasy foods.
Vomiting and diarrhea with upset stomach can cause dehydration. Sports drinks with electrolytes are the best way to prevent dehydration. If you're having trouble keeping liquids down, try sucking on ice chips and taking small sips of water. You can also drink noncaffeinated sodas, such as Sprite, 7UP or ginger ale.
Clear liquids, such as bouillon, clear carbonated beverages, apple/cranberry/grape juice, plain gelatin, Popsicles®, tea and water.
Salivation after stroke (sialorrhea, hypersalivation, ptyalism) can be caused by the overproduction or a lack of utilization of saliva. Patients after stroke often have sialorrhea as a result of dysphagia. Neurogenic dysphagia in acute period after stroke occurs in 25-65% of patients.
The acid in your esophagus may trigger your salivary glands to produce more spit. This is called the esophago-salivary reflex. Since saliva is mostly water, it may be your body's attempt to neutralize (dilute) the acid in your mouth and throat.
When you are nauseated, you may feel weak and sweaty and notice a lot of saliva in your mouth.
For example, excessive drooling can cause angular cheilitis — a skin condition characterized by painful, cracked sores at the corners of your mouth. In some cases, excess saliva can even be aspirated into your lungs, causing pneumonia. So, it's important to see your healthcare provider at the first sign of problems.
If people require treatment in a hospital for GERD, treatment may depend on the specific symptoms or complications people are experiencing. To treat an esophageal stricture, doctors may carry out the following: dilation, using a balloon or mechanical dilator, to widen the esophagus.
Symptoms of stage 4 GERD may include:
Heartburn. Regurgitation of food or liquid. Sore throat. Hoarse voice.