Which condition can cause xerostomia?

Which condition can cause xerostomia?

• A. Sjogren's syndrome
• B. Diabetes mellitus
• C. Hyperthyroidism
• D. Osteoarthritis

Answer: (A)

Xerostomia happens when saliva production drops due to impaired salivary gland function. Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that specifically targets the moisture-producing glands, especially the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to a persistent dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes. This direct glandular attack makes Sjogren's the best answer because it explains a primary, mechanism-based cause of reduced saliva. Diabetes mellitus can cause dry mouth in the context of dehydration or high blood sugar, but it isn’t a primary gland disease. Hyperthyroidism and osteoarthritis don’t typically cause xerostomia through salivary gland dysfunction, so they’re not the classic culprits.

Xerostomia happens when saliva production drops due to impaired salivary gland function. Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that specifically targets the moisture-producing glands, especially the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to a persistent dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes. This direct glandular attack makes Sjogren's the best answer because it explains a primary, mechanism-based cause of reduced saliva.

Diabetes mellitus can cause dry mouth in the context of dehydration or high blood sugar, but it isn’t a primary gland disease. Hyperthyroidism and osteoarthritis don’t typically cause xerostomia through salivary gland dysfunction, so they’re not the classic culprits.