"This text addresses the evaluation and management of patients with xerostomia in detail from the perspective of specialists in each area for the purpose of informing colleagues within and across the disciplines of all health care providers (HCPs) about the complex impact of xerostomia on individuals' health, quality of life, and ability to function. The intent is for this information to be consumed by a wide range of HCPs. In order to be effective in caring for our patients, we need to have a clear understanding of how the condition impacts them. The patient perspective is included in this text as well because this is a critical, and often overlooked, perspective. We all benefit from understanding the patient experience. There are many individuals with xerostomia who are feeling adrift and dissatisfied with their care. Their frustrations at finding well-informed, interested, and caring HCPs were the primary motivation behind creating this text. Although the chapters are written for professionals, most chapters have corresponding patient web resources that can be found at www.Healio.com/books /XXXXX. The patient-friendly materials include resources for patients that will provide them with information to help them understand more about their condition andwill facilitate working as partners with their HCPs. These resources are available to all disciplines for the purposes of better informing ourselves and our patients. By understanding the full impact of xerostomia and the role that professionals can playin supporting patients and each other, we can improve their outcomes. The best care that we can provide for our patients with xerostomia is compassionate, interdisciplinary, and patient centered"--
An interdisciplinary textbook on dry mouth, Xerostomia: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Managing Dry Mouth provides an overview of xerostomia for physicians, dentists, nurses, speech-language pathologists, and otolaryngologists who encounter the condition in their practice. Xerostomia is a common condition, yet only one in seven cases are referred to a speech-language pathologist or otolaryngologist for treatment. Featuring contributions from speech-language pathologists, otolaryngologists, dentists, oral pathologists, and nurses, the text&;s interdisciplinary approach and evidence-based framework provides practitioners with an awareness and understanding of xerostomia that will improve interprofessional coordination and enhance patient care.
With a robust accompanying website including patient education resources,
Xerostomia addresses the following topics:
- An otolaryngologist&;s view of xerostomia, including causes, symptoms, evaluation, and treatment
- Patient perspectives of living with xerostomia, including quality of life measures and new research findings
- Effect of xerostomia on dental and oral health
- Voice disorders associated with xerostomia
- Impact of xerostomia on swallowing
- The science of saliva, including composition and production
- Pharmacological management of xerostomia
Xerostomia: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Managing Dry Mouth provides indispensable information for general practitioners, internists, dentists, nurses, otolaryngologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech-language pathology students, as well as any health care practitioners who encounter patients with xerostomia.
