PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Paolo Banfi
AU  - Nicola Ticozzi
AU  - Agata Lax
AU  - Giulia Andrea Guidugli
AU  - Antonello Nicolini
AU  - Vincenzo Silani
TI  - A Review of Options for Treating Sialorrhea in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
AID  - 10.4187/respcare.02856
DP  - 2015 Mar 01
TA  - Respiratory Care
PG  - 446--454
VI  - 60
IP  - 3
4099  - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/60/3/446.short
4100  - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/60/3/446.full
AB  - Sialorrhea or drooling represents quite a common problem in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we describe the possible treatments for this issue. Current medical management is not always effective: anticholinergic drugs (atropine, glycopyrrolate, amitriptyline, hyoscyamine, and transdermal scopolamine) are often used, but there is very little evidence of their effectiveness in patients with ALS. More invasive treatments, such as botulinum toxin injections and/or radiation therapy in the salivary glands, can be considered when anticholinergic drugs are not effective. In this review, we also explore the possible surgical options for treatment of sialorrhea. Although no specific studies have been conducted on patients with ALS, surgical therapies might represent a valid option for treatment of sialorrhea since there is no tachyphylaxis or need for repeated therapeutic sessions.