Pharmacology · single question
All of the following are associated with xerostomia EXCEPT:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Aging itself, independent of medications or disease
- A. Correct (the EXCEPTION). Age alone is not a direct cause of dry mouth; reduced salivary flow in older adults is usually due to medications and comorbid conditions, not aging per se.
- B. Incorrect. Sjögren syndrome directly destroys salivary gland tissue and is a classic cause.
- C. Incorrect. Anticholinergics (many antidepressants, antihistamines) reduce salivary secretion.
- D. Incorrect. Radiation to the head and neck damages salivary glands, causing marked xerostomia.