Saliva Production and Swallowing: A Neurological Perspective - Neurology

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Salivary flow issues


Hello Doctor: My situation is as follows: I experienced insomnia yesterday and began to notice my swallowing of saliva.
My question is whether saliva secretion in the mouth accumulates to a certain volume before being swallowed at once, or if it maintains a constant flow into the digestive system.
I used to feel that my saliva secretion was natural, but now I am a bit concerned about it.
I have tried two different approaches: one is to deliberately avoid swallowing as I usually do, but I find that after about half a minute to a minute, my throat feels uncomfortable, and I have to swallow; otherwise, I feel overwhelmed by the accumulation of saliva.
The other approach is to swallow whenever I feel like it, but this leads to some gastrointestinal discomfort, seemingly due to excessive swallowing causing bloating.
I understand that a better solution is to shift my focus to other things, allowing my body to naturally return to its normal function.
However, I have been troubled by this issue all day today.
Therefore, I would like to know how the body naturally functions when I am not focused on saliva secretion, so that at least it can operate normally and return to its original state.
I kindly ask for your guidance, thank you very much!

Anonymous, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/02/23

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology


It is advisable to first check for any gastrointestinal issues, as conditions like peptic ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also lead to excessive saliva production.
If there are no gastrointestinal problems and the salivary glands are not painful, then there is no need to be overly concerned.
Saliva is continuously produced in the oral cavity, and once it accumulates to a certain volume, you will definitely feel it; it will either be swallowed or spit out, which is a normal phenomenon.

Reply Date: 2010/02/23

More Info


Understanding saliva production and swallowing from a neurological perspective involves several physiological and neurological processes that work together to maintain oral health and facilitate digestion. Saliva is produced by salivary glands in the mouth, and its secretion is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, which operates largely unconsciously.
Saliva serves multiple purposes: it helps in the digestion of food, lubricates the oral cavity, and plays a crucial role in oral hygiene by neutralizing acids and washing away food particles. The production of saliva is a continuous process, and it does not simply accumulate to a certain volume before being swallowed. Instead, saliva is secreted at a relatively constant rate, and the act of swallowing is a reflex that can be triggered by various stimuli, including the presence of food, the taste of something, or even the thought of food.

When you consciously focus on swallowing saliva, it can lead to a heightened awareness of the process, which may create a cycle of anxiety or discomfort. This is often referred to as somatic awareness, where individuals become overly conscious of bodily functions that typically occur automatically. In your case, the discomfort you feel when trying to avoid swallowing may be due to the buildup of saliva, which can lead to a sensation of fullness or pressure in the throat. This is a normal physiological response, as the body is designed to swallow saliva regularly to maintain comfort and prevent excessive accumulation.

The act of swallowing is controlled by a complex interplay of muscles and nerves. The brainstem plays a crucial role in coordinating the swallowing reflex, which involves the contraction of muscles in the throat and esophagus to move saliva and food into the digestive tract. If you find that swallowing becomes uncomfortable or leads to gastrointestinal discomfort, it may be beneficial to consider the following:
1. Relaxation Techniques: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate the sensation of discomfort. Engaging in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation can help reduce anxiety and allow your body to function more naturally.

2. Hydration: Ensuring that you are well-hydrated can help maintain a comfortable level of saliva production. Dehydration can lead to thicker saliva, which may be more uncomfortable to swallow.

3. Distraction: As you mentioned, redirecting your attention to other activities can help alleviate the focus on swallowing. Engaging in conversation, reading, or other activities can help your body return to its natural rhythm.

4. Consultation with a Specialist: If the discomfort persists or worsens, it may be worthwhile to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can assess for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.

In summary, saliva production and swallowing are complex processes regulated by the nervous system. While it is normal to have heightened awareness of these functions at times, especially during periods of stress or anxiety, it is important to remember that these processes are typically automatic. By employing relaxation techniques and focusing on other activities, you may find that your body can return to its natural state of functioning. If concerns persist, seeking professional guidance can provide further insight and reassurance.

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