Xerostomia in Patients With a Life-limiting Condition or Frailty

Xerostomia, the subjective feeling of dry mouth, is a common symptom during the last year of life in patients with a life-limiting condition or frailty. Xerostomia leads to functional alterations (such as burning sensations, an altered taste perception, and difficulties with chewing, swallowing, and speaking), has disabling social consequences and significantly downgrades the perceived quality of life. It is an under-exposed and under-treated symptom often caused by alterations in the quality and quantity of saliva. Locally administered pilocarpine could be a promising drug in this regard as it alleviates xerostomia by increasing the production of saliva.