Abstract
Objective : This study was designed to investigate the correlation between Qi movement stagnation condition, stress level and xerostomia in halitosis patients. Methods : Ninety-nine halitosis patients visiting the Halitosis Clinic in the hospital of Oriental medicine, Kyung Hee University from January, 2010 to May, 2010 were recruited. The subjects were assessed on their stress levels(based on the Stress Response Inventory), xerostomia symptoms(based on the 8-item Visual Analogue Scale xerostomia questionnaire), and Qi movement stagnation(氣鬱) condition(one of the subcategories in the Qi, blood and water pattern identification(氣血水辨證)). Salivary functions were evaluated using the unstimulated whole salivary flow rate measurements. Results : Compared to the non-Qi movement stagnation group(Qi movement stagnation pattern identification score < 30), the confirmed Qi movement stagnation group(Qi movement stagnation pattern identification score $\geqq$ 30) showed higher levels of xerostomia and stress. In the regression analysis, the Qi movement stagnation condition and stress levels showed a significant correlation. Furthermore, the Qi movement stagnation condition and stress levels each displayed significant correlations with xerostomia. Conclusions : The results of this study suggest that stress and Qi movement stagnation condition contribute to xerostomia symptoms in halitosis patients. Considering the correlation found between the Qi movement stagnation and stress, this study suggests a novel methodology in treating xerostomia, halitosis, and other stress-related disorders through the Qi movement stagnation-related approach.