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Parasympathomimetic drugs act on parasympathetic muscarinic receptors to induce an increased saliva flow. The M3 receptor has been identified as the principal target to increase salivary flow rates. [4] Pilocarpine is an example; the maximum dose of this drug is 30 mg/day. Contraindications include many lung conditions, such as asthma, cardiac ...
By activating the M 3 receptors of the parasympathetic nervous system, cevimeline stimulates secretion by the salivary glands, thereby alleviating dry mouth. See also [ edit ]
The salivary glands and tear glands have a radiation tolerance of about 30 Gy in 2 Gy fractions, a dose which is exceeded by most radical head and neck cancer treatments. Dry mouth ( xerostomia ) and dry eyes ( xerophthalmia ) can become irritating long-term problems and severely reduce the patient's quality of life .
[citation needed] Parasympathomimetic drugs (saliva stimulants) such as pilocarpine may improve xerostomia symptoms and other problems associated with salivary gland dysfunction, but the evidence for treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia is limited. [27] Both stimulants and substitutes relieve symptoms to some extent. [28]
This treatment regimen is the same as for all xerostomia patients, such as for those undergoing head and neck radiation therapy, which often damages the salivary glands; these glands are more susceptible to radiation than are other body tissues. [citation needed]
Thus, as with every form of treatment, radiation therapy is not without its side effects. Radiation therapy can lead to dry mouth from exposure of salivary glands to radiation, resulting in decreased saliva secretion. Post therapy, the salivary glands will resume functioning but rarely in the same fashion.
However, the condition may arise anywhere minor salivary glands are located. [nb 1] It has also been occasionally reported to involve the major salivary glands. [2] [3] It may be present only on one side, or both sides. [1] The lesion typically is 1–4 cm in diameter. [4] Initially, the lesion is a tender, erythematous (red) swelling. Later ...
Sialadenitis (sialoadenitis) is inflammation of salivary glands, usually the major ones, the most common being the parotid gland, followed by submandibular and sublingual glands. [1] It should not be confused with sialadenosis (sialosis) which is a non-inflammatory enlargement of the major salivary glands. [2]