Sialorrhea (inability to control saliva, drooling) may have a negative impact on a patient's quality of life.
Psychological impact:
(1) embarrassment
(2) social isolation
(3) depression
The psychological impact may not be an issue if the patient is demented.
Pathological impact:
(1) aspiration pneumonia
(2) recurrent coughing and choking
A patient who is unable to control oral secretions also may have an inability to eat normally, so may become malnourished unless provided with nutritional support.
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