DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been salivating excessively for several years. I've gone to many doctors and cannot get any help. I'm a 77-year-old female and hope you can shed some light on this topic.

DEAR READER: Saliva is made in small glands, called salivary glands, that produce one to two cups of saliva each day. The purpose of salivation is to help digest certain starchy foods and to coat foods as they pass into the stomach. The act of emptying the mouth of saliva is done involuntarily and without thought; however, when excess saliva is produced, difficulties with talking, breathing and eating can occur.

There are a number of possibilities for the condition. I will cover only those that affect us as we age. They include abscesses in or around the tonsils or pharynx, respiratory infections, dentures, salivary-gland nerve damage, inflammation of mucous membranes, Bell's palsy, reflux disease and neurological disorders such as stroke, cerebral palsy and Parkinson's. Medications taken for asthma, hormone replacement and schizophrenia can also lead to excessive salivation. It is my guess that you had your tonsils out a number of years ago. Should they still remain, you may have your answer.

Treatment is directed toward the underlying cause. There are medications available to reduce the production of saliva; however, there are side effects that will likely come into play.

If your many doctor visits failed to produce positive results, go back to the drawing board and start again. Return to your physician one more time in an attempt to get to the bottom of this annoying problem. Before your visit, though, determine whether I have already hit on the likely cause. Then ask about little-known side effects of any medications you may be taking. Are you on any herbal remedies or over-the-counters of which your doctor is unaware? Perhaps you have a minor infection under a dental plate. When was the last time you saw a dentist? Do you suffer from a neurological disorder? Work together to bring this annoyance to an end.

To provide related information on two neurological disorders, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports "Parkinson's Disease" and "Stroke." Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order per report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

DEAR DR. GOTT: There is a lot of publicity about vaccinations for the swine flu. Since previous flu vaccines have been incubated in eggs, I assume this one will also be done in a similar fashion. I have never heard anyone discuss what those of us who are allergic to eggs are supposed to do. I was quite ill with the flu within 12 hours after taking the flu shot in the early 1960s. I lost about two weeks of work at that time. Needless to say, I have not had a flu shot since.

I'm an 80-year-old male and would not be considered eligible for the vaccine under regulations being discussed. Should I become a hermit?

DEAR READER: In my opinion, no. The H1N1 injection is geared toward people from six months to 24 years of age, those 25 to 64 with health conditions associated with increased risk of influenza complications, pregnant women and people younger than 60 in occupations that expose them to the probability of obtaining the virus. About one-third of all adults 60 and older have existing antibodies that will likely protect them. Take precautions, wash your hands often, avoid contact with sick people, eat well, and hold off on the hermit issue.

Dr. Peter Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook."