Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition

In traditional Chinese medicine, "senile xerostomia" is referred to as "kou zao," which describes a condition in the elderly where the decline in the function of the internal organs leads to a deficiency of body fluid, failing to ascend to the mouth, resulting in discomfort caused by dry mouth. According to "Internal Medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine," senile xerostomia is described as "due to insufficient body fluid, which fails to moisten the mouth, commonly seen in the elderly."

Senile xerostomia is a common senile disease syndrome in clinical traditional Chinese medicine, with its core pathogenesis being a deficiency of body fluid, failing to ascend. Common precipitating factors include long-term illness, physical decline due to aging, and irregular diet. In the process of differentiation, attention should be paid to distinguishing between cold and heat, as well as deficiency and excess. The syndrome of Yin deficiency and body fluid depletion manifests as dry mouth and throat, exacerbated at night, with drinking not alleviating thirst; while the syndrome of spleen deficiency and body fluid not ascending presents with dry mouth without desire for drinking, accompanied by symptoms such as poor appetite and abdominal distension. The overall direction of treatment suggests that in clinical practice, treatment is often based on the results of differentiation, using methods such as nourishing Yin and generating body fluid, moistening and quenching thirst, or strengthening the spleen and Qi, ascending body fluid, and quenching thirst. During the treatment process, it is important to focus on nourishing the liver and kidney, nourishing Yin and moistening dryness, while also formulating personalized treatment plans based on the patient's constitution and specific condition.

Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation

阴虚津亏证

Main Manifestations：口干咽燥夜间甚,饮不解渴

Management Approach：滋阴生津,润燥止渴

脾虚津不上承证

Main Manifestations：口干不欲饮,纳差,腹胀

Management Approach：健脾益气,升津止渴

The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.

Physician's Clinical Insights

Patients with senile xerostomia often exhibit excessive thirst and polydipsia. Combining tongue and pulse diagnosis, attention should be given to nourishing Yin and moistening dryness, and balancing Yin and Yang.

— 陈燕中医执业医师

Reviewed by：陈燕（中医执业医师）｜ 2026-07-08 ｜ Version 2

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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.

参考文献：《中医内科学》（十三五规划教材）、《中医病证诊断疗效标准》(ZY/T001.1-94)、《中医病证分类与代码》(GB/T 15657-2021)

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老年性口干