1️⃣ Sleep Apnea
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Drooling can happen if your mouth falls open due to obstructed breathing at night.
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Other signs: loud snoring, gasping, daytime fatigue.
2️⃣ Acid Reflux / GERD
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Stomach acid can irritate the esophagus, causing excess saliva production.
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May also cause heartburn or sour taste upon waking.
3️⃣ Neurological Disorders
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Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or ALS can impair swallowing muscles, leading to drooling.
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Often accompanied by difficulty swallowing or speaking.
4️⃣ Allergies or Sinus Infections
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Blocked nasal passages force breathing through the mouth, sometimes causing drooling.
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Symptoms: congestion, sinus pressure, post-nasal drip.
5️⃣ Sleep Position / Anatomical Factors
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Sleeping on your side or stomach may allow saliva to pool in the mouth.
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Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can worsen the problem.
6️⃣ Medications
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Certain drugs (e.g., antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, or sedatives) can increase saliva production or affect swallowing.
⚠️ When to See a Doctor
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Sudden onset of drooling without a clear cause
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Drooling with difficulty speaking or swallowing
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Chronic drooling interfering with sleep or causing skin irritation
💡 Tip: Small lifestyle changes can help in mild cases:
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Sleep on your back with slight head elevation
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Treat allergies or congestion
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Maintain good oral hygiene
If you want, I can make a short checklist for what to track before seeing a doctor, so you know whether drooling is harmless or a warning sign.