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Pathology · single question

Patient without diabetes — which of the following does NOT cause xerostomia?

  1. Increased blood glucose
  2. Medication side effects
  3. Sjögren's syndrome
  4. Radiation therapy
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Increased blood glucose

  • A. Correct (the exception). In a patient WITHOUT diabetes, blood glucose elevation is not a relevant/expected cause of dry mouth; elevated glucose causing xerostomia is specifically a diabetes-related mechanism, not applicable here.
  • B. Many medications (anticholinergics, antihypertensives, antihistamines, etc.) are well-known causes of xerostomia.
  • C. Sjögren's syndrome is a classic autoimmune cause of xerostomia via salivary gland destruction.
  • D. Radiation therapy to the head/neck is a well-known cause of xerostomia via salivary gland damage.

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