This is a poorly worded question. Diseases don't "cause saliva." Saliva is a normal bodily fluid. The presence of excessive saliva (hypersalivation, sialorrhea, or ptyalism) or altered saliva composition can be symptoms of certain diseases or conditions, or side effects of treatments. Saliva production can also be affected, either increased or decreased, by certain diseases. Therefore, the question should really be "What diseases or conditions can cause excessive saliva (hypersalivation) or alter saliva production?". Here's a breakdown of potential causes:
Conditions Leading to Increased Saliva Production (Hypersalivation)
Hypersalivation can be caused by several factors:
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Neurological Conditions:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Parkinson's disease
- Stroke
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
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Infections:
- Rhinovirus (colds)
- Flu virus
- Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis, or mono)
- Strep throat
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Gastrointestinal Issues:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Nausea from any cause
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Pregnancy: Morning sickness can induce excess saliva production.
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Medications: Some medications can have hypersalivation as a side effect.
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Dental Problems: Cavities, ill-fitting dentures, or other oral irritations.
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Exposure to Toxins: Some toxins, such as mercury or pesticides, can stimulate saliva production.
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Rabies: Although rare, Rabies infection severely disrupts neurological function, one of the symptoms including problems swallowing and resulting in drooling/excessive saliva.
Diseases Where Saliva Plays a Role in Transmission
While the above cause excessive saliva, some viruses and bacteria use saliva as a mode of transmission. This doesn't mean the saliva is caused by the disease, but it highlights diseases where saliva is involved.
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Viral Infections:
- Type 1 herpes (cold sores): Transmitted through saliva.
- Hepatitis B and hepatitis C: Can be transmitted through saliva, though less efficiently than through blood.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Can be transmitted through saliva.
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Bacterial Infections:
- Strep bacteria: Transmitted through saliva droplets.
Conditions that Reduce Saliva Production (Xerostomia)
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is caused by decreased saliva production. While the original question asked about the opposite, it is related to the overall function of saliva production and is a possible interpretation of the original query.
- Sjogren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that attacks moisture-producing glands.
- Medications: Many medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect.
- Radiation Therapy: Especially to the head and neck region.
- Dehydration
- Diabetes
In conclusion, while no disease directly causes saliva (as it's a normal bodily fluid), several conditions can either increase saliva production (hypersalivation) or decrease it (xerostomia), and saliva serves as a vehicle for transmission for certain infectious diseases.
