Blood tests for dry mouth are performed to investigate potential underlying systemic conditions that might be contributing to the problem.
When investigating dry mouth (xerostomia), doctors may order several blood tests to rule out systemic diseases. These tests help identify conditions that can cause or contribute to dry mouth. Here's a breakdown of the common blood tests used:
Common Blood Tests for Dry Mouth
- Full Blood Count (FBC) or Complete Blood Count (CBC): Evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Abnormalities can indicate infection, anemia, or other systemic issues.
- U&Es (Urea and Electrolytes): Assesses kidney function and electrolyte balance. Kidney problems can sometimes cause dry mouth.
- LFTs (Liver Function Tests): Checks liver health. Liver diseases can occasionally contribute to dry mouth.
- Ferritin: Measures iron stores in the body. Low ferritin indicates iron deficiency, which can be associated with dry mouth.
- Folate and Vitamin B12: These vitamins are crucial for overall health, and deficiencies can lead to various symptoms, including dry mouth.
- Glucose: Determines blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a common cause of dry mouth.
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF): Helps diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that can cause dry mouth.
- Antinuclear Antibody (ANA): A test to screen for autoimmune disorders like Sjögren's syndrome or lupus. A positive ANA warrants further investigation.
- Serum Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE): Elevated levels can indicate sarcoidosis, another systemic condition that can cause dry mouth.
- Extractable Nuclear Antigen Antibodies (ENA): Specifically SSA (Ro) and SSB (La): These antibodies are strongly associated with Sjögren's syndrome, a primary cause of dry mouth.
Why These Tests?
Dry mouth is often a symptom of an underlying medical condition. These blood tests help doctors identify or rule out various systemic diseases, autoimmune disorders, and nutritional deficiencies that could be contributing to the problem. By identifying the root cause, appropriate treatment can be initiated.
In summary, the blood tests for dry mouth include a comprehensive panel to evaluate for systemic diseases, autoimmune disorders, and deficiencies.
