Is excess saliva normal when you have a sore throat?

Yes, it is normal to produce excess saliva when you have a sore throat.

1. Swelling and irritation: A sore throat often involves inflammation and swelling of the throat tissues. This can cause the throat to feel dry and irritated, which triggers the production of saliva as a natural response to soothe and moisten the area.

2. Excessive mucus production: Sore throats can also lead to increased mucus production in the throat and sinuses. This mucus can further irritate the throat, stimulating the salivary glands to produce more saliva in an attempt to thin the mucus and make swallowing easier.

3. Inflammation: The inflammatory process associated with a sore throat can cause blood vessels in the throat to become dilated and leaky, leading to fluid accumulation in the surrounding tissues. This can result in excess saliva production as a way to clear out the fluid and reduce swelling.

4. Difficulty swallowing: A sore throat can make swallowing difficult and painful, which can lead to saliva buildup in the mouth. This is because saliva is constantly produced, but if it's not being swallowed as efficiently due to discomfort, it can accumulate and become noticeable.

5. Postnasal drip: Sore throats are often accompanied by postnasal drip, which is the drainage of mucus from the nose down the back of the throat. This drainage can irritate the throat and cause excess saliva production as a response to the irritation.