18 Drooling
‘Drooling’ (Sialorrhoea), or overspill of saliva is physiological condition in children until they develop good oral muscle control, typically at the age of 4 or 5 years. Before that, saliva may dribble onto the chin and neck, in some cases causing eczematous chin reactions. In children with poor neuromuscular function—typically children with cerebral palsy—salivary overspill may persist into later childhood and adult life, causing distress for parent and child. ‘Sialorrhoea’ is a misnomer as these children produce normal quantities of saliva; the problem is with salivary clearance. They will often have a poor swallow, and some will have aspiration and airway problems.
18.1 Management
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