The cause of an unpleasant taste in the mouth may not always be diseases of the oral cavity or digestive organs. However, if it does not disappear after long period, it's time to visit the doctor.
For some time after eating sour food, an aftertaste may remain. Also, a sour taste may be a consequence of consuming a number of medicines. The next common reason is unbalanced diet, especially a sharp transition to completely different types of food.
An unpleasant taste in the mouth may indicate stomach diseases.
If the sour taste in the mouth bothers you permanently and does not depend on the time of the meal, then there is a risk that this is a sign of an unhealthy condition and you you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Among the pathologies that cause a sour taste in the mouth, there may be diseases of various types.
Hyperacid gastritis
Perhaps one of the most common causes in this case is gastritis, which is known to be associated with increased levels of stomach acidity. Also, in addition to the sour taste, a number of other symptoms may bother you:
- after eating, nausea begins, which can be constant or appear periodically;
- belching has a sour smell;
- acute stomach pain appears in attacks and occurs on an empty stomach or shortly after a meal;
- starts in the mouth increased salivation;
- an unpleasant sensation similar to a burning sensation appears behind the sternum, which is a sign of heartburn;
- attacks of vomiting occur, where pieces of undigested food can be seen in the vomit, and then a sharp sour taste appears in the mouth;
- if there is no food in the stomach, vomiting of mucus begins;
- Digestive disorders, expressed in constipation or diarrhea, may occur;
- you may be tormented by feelings of general weakness and a feeling of deterioration in your general condition.
Diaphragmatic hernia
As you know, the diaphragm in our body separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. There is a small hole in it that exists specifically for the passage of the esophagus. In a healthy state, part of the esophagus is immersed in the stomach, and the other part extends through the passage into the chest area. In the case of a hiatal hernia, the passage for the esophagus stretches to such a size that capable of passing it entirely into the chest. This creates conditions in which gastric juice enters the esophagus and causes a number of symptoms:
- permanent feeling of sour taste in the mouth;
- frequent and sharp pains in the abdomen and chest area;
- burning sensation, heartburn;
- shortness of breath with horizontal position body, which is explained by food entering the respiratory tract.
In order to make a diagnosis, you need to consult a specialist.
Sour taste in mouth in the morning
It is possible that an unpleasant taste in the mouth in the morning is a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Simply put, it's a hit gastric juice into organs outside the stomach, where it should not be in a healthy state. At night, some people are in a state of sleep. And if you are one of these people, then while you are in a supine position, you facilitate the access of gastric juice to the esophagus.
With such a diagnosis usual symptoms are belching, nausea, stomach pain and severe heartburn. There are frequent cases when gastroesophageal reflux accompanies hyperacid gastritis, in which gastric juice is produced in excess.
Chalazia cardia
The place where the esophagus ends and the stomach begins is called the cardia. The orbicularis muscle contracts the cardia to prevent the contents of the stomach from entering beyond its boundaries, for example, into the cavity of the esophagus. With chalasia cardia, the quality of this function suffers. As a rule, this can occur due to impaired sensitivity and muscle strength of the cardia. Such a diagnosis in patients is often accompanied by the presence of a sour taste in the mouth and other symptoms also characteristic of gastroesophageal reflux.
Stomach ulcer
This disease often has a long development and can be chronic. Periodically, the ulcer makes itself felt, usually in autumn and spring when its exacerbation begins. Peptic ulcer disease can be identified by the following manifestations:
- frequent feeling of nausea, and vomit contains undigested pieces of food;
- heaviness in the upper abdomen and a feeling of bloating;
- belching with a pronounced sour odor;
- acute stomach pain and unpleasant taste in the mouth after eating or on an empty stomach;
- general deterioration The patient's condition is usually more severe than in the case of gastritis.
Peptic ulcer disease can have several foci of spread.
It should be borne in mind that a stomach ulcer is dangerous in itself, and even if it does not cause a pronounced sour taste in the mouth, it is highly not recommended to leave it without treatment.
General features of gastric diseases
All of the above problems with the digestive system can cause a sour taste in the mouth. varying degrees clarity. Accurate diagnosis can only be determined through a thorough examination. Most effective method find out the cause of the pathology - contact gastroesophagoscopy.
Using a number of endoscopic instruments, the doctor can examine the lining of your stomach and obtain information about all the pathologies that he can detect there. In addition to direct examination with immersion of instruments, ultrasound is also used abdominal cavity And contrast radiography digestive organs. Treatment of existing diseases is usually carried out through medication, lowering acidity levels and following the diet prescribed by the doctor until complete recovery.
Diseases of teeth and gums
Also, a sour taste in the mouth can be a consequence of dental diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis or common caries. When infected, in soft tissues and gums, harmful bacteria multiply, which in the course of their life produce substances that lead to a sour taste in the mouth. Also, such diseases can be accompanied by toothache, swelling, and swelling of the gums. For similar problems need to visit the dentist.
Pregnancy and sour taste
During pregnancy, similar taste sensations They often disappear on their own with the birth of the child. IN in this case this is explained by the fact that the uterus, containing the fetus, enlarges over time and begins to push the digestive organs upward, towards the chest. As a result, stomach acid can escape from the stomach and enter the esophagus, leading to heartburn and a sour taste in the mouth.
But if symptoms persist after the birth of the child, then you should go to a gastroenterologist, especially if, before the period of bearing the child, symptoms of gastric diseases were already observed. Negative changes in digestive system during pregnancy, which subsequently can lead to gastritis or even peptic ulcers.
The entry of stomach acid or bile into the esophagus often causes heartburn.
Bitter taste in mouth
A bitter taste in the mouth can be felt soon after the first morning appointment food. But in addition to various diseases, there are a number of other explanations for this:
- drinking alcoholic beverages significantly increases the load on the biliary organs, in particular the liver, and an excess of bile secreted by it causes a person to experience a bitter taste in the mouth;
- frequent eating of fried and fatty foods also exposes the biliary organs to considerable pressure, forcing them to work under strain;
- if you smoke, this may also cause bad taste in the mouth;
- A bitter taste can also appear after consuming various antiallergic and antibiotic drugs, as they can cause dysbiosis in the body and disrupt the functionality of the digestive system.
But if the above signs do not apply, and the permanent and well-perceived bitterness in the mouth does not disappear, then mandatory you should contact a gastroenterologist. Of the diseases that cause a bitter taste, the most common are diseases of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. All these diseases cause bile to enter the esophagus.
Biliary dyskinesia
This disease affects muscle function in the biliary organs. In addition to the bitter taste, dyskinesia also leads to abdominal pain, which varies depending on the form of the disease:
- Hypokinetic type– the gallbladder muscles are too relaxed and the pain in this case is aching and dull.
- Hyperkinetic type– the gallbladder muscles are extremely tense, which causes acute stabbing pains attack of different nature.
Chronic cholecystitis
Cholecystitis causes inflammation inside the gallbladder. Most characteristic symptoms are bitterness and presence yellow discharge in the mouth. Other signs of the disease may also appear:
- pain with right side, which can be either blunt or sharp;
- digestive disorders, expressed through constipation, diarrhea or bloating;
- nausea and vomiting, in which bile can be detected;
- high temperature, general deterioration of health.
The disease can be diagnosed through ultrasound diagnostics of the biliary system, and its treatment is already gastroenterologist case.
Ultrasound examination will identify foci of the disease.
Also, various types of dental diseases can cause a chemical taste in the mouth. Bitterness can be associated with the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, which causes halitosis - bad breath. Halitosis can be accompanied by gum and soft tissue diseases. Anyway you need to visit the dentist.
Pregnancy and bitter taste
During pregnancy, a bitter taste is also often felt. This is usually explained two main reasons:
- During pregnancy, the body is able to produce a lot of progesterone. This hormone is, in particular, associated with muscle function internal organs, including the biliary system. The walls of the gallbladder relax, allowing bile to enter the stomach and from there into the esophagus.
- As the fetus develops, the uterus increases in size and supports the remaining internal organs, as a result of which their normal relationship is disrupted, which can lead to the appearance of previously unnoticed symptoms, including the appearance of bitterness in the mouth.
Diseases that cause bad smell from the mouth, may also be accompanied by diarrhea or constipation.
Sweet taste in mouth
Often the same reasons can be found here that cause a sour and bitter taste in the mouth. However, it is also possible to highlight specific features. In addition to the almost harmless reasons, the love of sweets, there are also others that are more dangerous to health. Sensation of sweetness may be a sign diabetes mellitus . At frequent appearance If you experience such sensations, you should definitely visit an endocrinologist. Basic early symptoms diabetes are:
- visual impairment;
- strong feeling of thirst and excessive urination;
- severe hunger and eating large amounts of food, which, however, is accompanied by weight loss;
- severe and prolonged course of infectious diseases, development of furunculosis;
- pain in the heart area:
- general weakness and rapid fatigue during physical activity.
We think we won’t be wrong if we say that taste in the mouth is a problem that has made every adult, and sometimes even a child, worry at least once. Why does this happen and what is it connected with? What tastes can be distinguished in the mouth? So many questions! We are looking for answers.
What are they talking about unexpected flavors? Is it really just about food addictions? Or is it information about diseases that the body sends us?
Let's start by listing the tastes that are sometimes felt in the mouth. It should be remembered that taste sensations can arise in connection with food. It is then that we have to talk about poor nutrition or even abuse of certain products, for example, alcohol or nicotine.
In the morning after yesterday's abundant feast, it seems that “the holiday of the belly is still with you.” An unpleasant taste and odor from the mouth, dryness, acidity and bitterness are the aftertaste of the party. But if discomfort in the mouth does not leave you during the day, is not associated with food intake, or is manifested not only by smell, but also by other unnecessary tastes, you should immediately visit a specialist. Traditional medicine offers a lot of all kinds of advice, but only a visit to a professional can resolve all your doubts. A gastroenterologist, therapist, or dentist is always at your service and ready to provide clarification.
Acid in the mouth - looking for the cause!
Acidic saliva in the mouth causes a lot of trouble and can be a consequence of certain diseases or a consequence of alcoholic excesses. A similar sensation in the oral cavity often occurs in connection with a sore throat, pharyngitis or laryngitis, which means your path lies with an ENT doctor.
A completely different situation arises when you feel acid in your mouth after eating. The main reasons for this taste may be:
- metabolic disease;
- decreased or increased acidity of gastric juice;
- gastritis, peptic ulcer;
- diseases of the pancreas or gall bladder;
- oral diseases;
- poor nutrition, an abundance of sour vegetables and fruits, as well as sour, hot, spicy and fried foods.
Sour taste occurs due to oxidation metal crowns and may indicate dental disease, such as periodontitis, caries. In addition, such sensations may be a consequence of the side effects of certain medications that increase the level of acidity in the stomach.
Acidic saliva in the mouth after eating is unpleasant feeling, which at first glance can even be overlooked, deciding that “everything will go away on its own.” But only Attentive attitude concern about your health should alert you and serve as an impetus to visit a specialist. It is clear that the answer to the reasons for the sour taste can only be obtained after a comprehensive examination and clarification of all your food preferences.
I feel bitter, bitter... How can I calm this “bitter feeling”?
We can say that bitterness is a fairly understandable and well-known taste. In most cases, this may be a signal from your stomach or gallbladder, especially after a rich feast. But this does not mean that you should limit yourself to recipes only. traditional medicine or medicinal herbs.
It is necessary, first of all, to adjust the diet. To do this, you should exclude fried, spicy, sour, spicy, and fatty foods. It is recommended to increase the frequency of administration and the amount consumed drinking water, supplementing it with green tea. One of the mandatory rules is maintaining oral hygiene, including rinsing your mouth after eating. If such sensations appear regularly, it is recommended that you immediately go to an appointment with a gastroenterologist.
“I didn’t say “halva, halva,” but it’s sweet in my mouth”...
The feeling of sweetness in the mouth often occurs due to metabolic disorders. In addition, the presence of diseases such as chronic pancreatitis, acute inflammation of the pancreas, hepatitis can also contribute to the appearance of a sweet taste. Severe overexertion or stress, vapor poisoning heavy metals, nicotine, as happens in chronic smokers, often results in a sweetish taste in the mouth. A sweet taste can be a sign of diabetes and occurs when your blood sugar levels rise.
Salty taste in the mouth - lack of moisture
A lack of fluid in the body is manifested by a constant “salty feeling in the mouth,” and the greater the dehydration, the higher the concentration of salt in saliva. This sensation can occur due to an abundance of too salty foods and during illness. salivary glands when salt clogs the salivary ducts. As a result, saliva begins to accumulate and the concentration of sodium chloride increases significantly. Under such circumstances, it is necessary to increase fluid intake to 2.5 liters per day.
Hydrogen sulfide or “rotten egg” taste
The “rotten egg” feeling familiar to some usually indicates the presence of gastritis with low acidity. Most often this disease is congenital pathology and is associated with insufficient production of gastric juice. Due to the lack of gastric juice, food does not have time to be digested in the stomach, accumulates and begins to “rot.” The problem requires the immediate intervention of a gastroenterologist, as well as the prescription of medications and a strict diet.
Metallic taste is not "heavy metal"
A metallic taste usually appears when the main component of blood, hemoglobin, is excessively destroyed. As you know, it contains the microelement iron, which provides a “metallic” taste in the mouth. The main reasons for this aftertaste may be:
- changes in the functioning of the hematopoietic system;
- metabolic disease;
- hormonal changes;
- gastrointestinal pathology;
- initial stage of diabetes mellitus;
- disease of teeth and gums.
Dangerous taste of acetone
The appearance of such a taste and smell in the mouth is associated with low level glucose in the body, which occurs in severe diabetes mellitus. This should immediately lead the patient to an endocrinologist, where assistance will be provided and the necessary diet prescribed.
Among the rare tastes in the mouth, it is also worth mentioning the taste of soda and iodine. This could be a sign of illness gastrointestinal tract, the body's reaction to certain medicinal substances, a symptom of disease thyroid gland, liver and oral cavity.
Source
Medkrug.ru
Do you have a bad taste in your mouth? A taste of bitterness, sweetness, acidity - and more... If this happened only once, then the cause of this sensation may be a heavy dinner, which was not able to be digested overnight and thus manifested itself in the morning. But if the taste in the mouth bothers you constantly, at certain intervals, then this is alarming; such a symptom is a proven sign of problems in the body. They may not threaten your health, or they may be quite serious and lead to complications.
We determine the problem according to taste
Bitterness in the mouth can prevent cholecystitis or cholelithiasis, talk about low intestinal acidity.
The taste of hydrogen sulfide in the mouth is a risk of gastritis and low acidity.
Salty taste – dehydration of the body, the presence of stones in the salivary ducts.
Sweet taste is a potential diabetes mellitus.
Sour taste – gastritis with high acidity is possible.
A metallic or plastic taste could mean fillings or crowns are worn out and need to be replaced.
Also, a metallic taste may indicate periodontal disease or mercury poisoning.
Liver problems
If you feel bitterness in your mouth in the morning, then first of all, you need to pay attention to the liver and bile ducts, on the recommendation of the manager therapeutic service Galina Rozhkova City Hospital. If all organs work harmoniously, bile enters the duodenum. With problems with the liver and biliary tract, bile moves forward and is disposed of with complications. As a result, stagnation and accumulation of fluid occurs, which enters the stomach, esophagus and even oral cavity. As a result, a person feels bitterness on the tongue. Getting rid of bitterness is simple: do not eat foods that provoke increased production of bile - fatty, fried, spicy, salty, pickled foods. Just everything that is most appetizing, but it is not a fact that it is healthy. Dietary restrictions are not enough for complete healing. Bitterness lets us know possible problem, and, having removed it, you need to consult with a gastroenterologist who will perform an ultrasound, gastroscopy and prescribe treatment.
Acidity is higher than normal
If in the morning you cannot get rid of the taste of acid, as if you had lemons in your mouth, then most likely your stomach is making itself known, provided that there are no bad teeth or no low-quality metal crowns.
Sour sore throat occurs with gastritis, accompanied by high acidity, as well as with ulcers. With these ailments, there is an excess secretion of hydrochloric acid, which is intended for digesting food. In this case, a diet is recommended: avoiding spicy, salty and fried foods. Treatment by a gastroenterologist is also necessary. Usually a specialist prescribes drugs to reduce acidity. Diseases of the gums and teeth, as well as the use of certain medications, may also cause a sour taste in the mouth.
Do not get carried away with the popular method of eliminating the symptoms of gastritis with soda. This method useful for a short time. This reaction produces water and carbon dioxide. Due to the formation of gas, we feel bloated and a lot of gastric juice begins to be produced. With this method of eliminating symptoms, a vicious circle emerges: acidity decreases for a while, but then it is higher than it was.
Sweet taste is dangerous
A sweet taste appears for only one reason, and this is a serious disorder - diabetes. The disease can occur regardless of age. At the same time, the blood sugar level “jumps”, and as a result, a sweet taste in the mouth. Diabetes mellitus more often affects those whose relatives have also dealt with this disease. Diabetes mellitus can also develop in people who have had pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas, which is responsible for processing excess glucose. If you suddenly feel a sweet taste in the morning, do not wait, immediately go to the endocrinologist. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe the necessary medications.
Dehydration
If you experience an unpleasant salt-like taste, you may be dehydrated. - This problem is not necessarily the result of abstaining from drinking for a long time, - advises Galina Rozhkova.
A person can be left without an important fluid reserve by simply drinking insufficient amounts of water (less than 1.5 liters) and avoiding other forms of fluid. Alcohol drinkers are the first to need to replenish their water balance, as alcohol is highly dehydrating. There are especially many beer and wine lovers on this list. When the body needs moisture, all fluids throughout the body become thicker, even saliva. Saliva contains sodium chloride (table salt). If dehydration has reached high level, and the concentration of sodium chloride in saliva is high, the taste in the mouth becomes more pronounced. But it’s not difficult to fix the situation, fortunately. You just need to drink water, and ensure that your fluid intake per day exceeds two liters, and also temporarily give up alcoholic beverages.
The most unpleasant taste
Hydrogen sulfide is popularly called “rotten” and gives the most unpleasant set of teeth. The taste of hydrogen sulfide appears due to gastritis, but with reduced acidity. Usually this problem is a congenital pathology. There are plenty of reasons why human body a small amount of gastric juice is produced. This juice is not enough to process what you eat before a certain time. As a result of this phenomenon, food does not dissolve and is not absorbed in the body, but continues to accumulate and rot. Symptoms of a lack of gastric juice and poor digestion are this unpleasant hydrogen sulfide taste. To get rid of such a sore throat, you will have to turn to special medications that the doctor will recommend.
Taste of Metal
A metallic taste occurs during poisoning with arsenic, copper, mercury, lead, and zinc salts. Sometimes such a taste is formed from the use of certain medicines. Common reason metal taste - ailments of the gastrointestinal tract, impaired metabolism.
It also happens that metal dentures cause this taste. Sometimes a metallic taste is felt due to gum disease. A metallic taste can occur from blood entering the mouth, which can occur when dental ailments, for example, with periodontal disease. This taste can also mean pregnancy.
GastroenterologyThe appearance of a taste in the mouth does not always indicate the appearance of any disease, but if it persists for a long time and is felt constantly, then you should pay attention to this phenomenon and consult a doctor.
Bitter taste in mouth
A bitter taste in the mouth usually occurs. with exacerbation of liver and gall bladder diseases or as a result of increased load on them (abuse fatty foods, alcohol).Almost every person has felt the taste of bitterness in the mouth at least once in their life; such an unpleasant symptom is difficult not to notice. Most often, such a taste appears in diseases of the liver, gall bladder and its ducts during periods of exacerbation, or with periodic excessive load on these organs (heavy meals, especially fatty foods, alcohol abuse). A bitter taste may appear in the mouth and in diseases of the intestines and stomachs, in which their motility and the process of food passage through the gastrointestinal tract are disrupted.
There are many diseases that can lead to the appearance of this symptom. Most often this is biliary dyskinesia, but can lead to bitterness in the mouth food poisoning, taking certain medications and even stressful situations. For diseases of the digestive system such bad taste in the mouth usually bothers people after eating, appearing some time after eating. It is not uncommon to experience a bitter taste in the mouth after waking up in the morning.
U healthy people the appearance of bitterness in the mouth after eating may be associated with eating foods that have a choleretic effect, for example, nuts, especially pine nuts, watermelon, mushrooms, or after a large feast with fatty foods and alcohol. A bitter taste in the mouth in the morning may appear after a large dinner the night before, shortly before bed. You need to have dinner no later than 2 hours before going to bed, since at night the digestive processes slow down, which contributes to the stagnation of food in the gastrointestinal tract.
If the appearance of this symptom is not an isolated case, but worries you constantly, then you should contact a gastroenterologist for examination. But it is also better not to ignore rare cases when a bitter taste appears in the mouth; this may be the first “bell” that you need to think about the health of the liver and protect it from stress.
Sweet taste in mouth
Complaints about a sweet taste in the mouth go to the doctor much less frequently than, for example, complaints about bitterness in the mouth. Sometimes, if there is a malfunction of the liver, pancreas, as well as with some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it may not be the bitter taste in the mouth that bothers you, but the sweet one. In addition, such a symptom may be one of the signs of a disorder carbohydrate metabolism in the body, so if a sweetish taste in your mouth bothers you long time, you should consult a doctor. If the examination does not reveal any abnormalities in the functioning of the internal organs, then you may need to visit a dentist, since dental problems can also cause this symptom.
A sweet taste in the mouth may be a sign of pesticide or phosgene poisoning. If you suspect poisoning, you should immediately seek medical help.
Salty taste in mouth
At infectious diseases salivary glands, saliva may acquire a salty taste. Sometimes such a symptom appears in infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, since the mucus produced in large quantities during sinusitis also enters the oral cavity. After recovery salty taste in the mouth will disappear on its own.
If, in addition to the salty taste, you are also bothered by dry mouth, then most likely this indicates dehydration. At the same time, it is not enough to quench your thirst once; you need to drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid daily.
Poor oral hygiene can also cause a salty taste. This is due to the fact that the plaque that forms on the surface of the teeth and tongue has a salty taste. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly brush not only your teeth, but also the surface of your tongue at least 2 times a day.
Very rarely, a salty taste in the mouth appears as a result of taking certain medications, for example those used in the treatment of thyroid diseases and chemotherapy in oncology.
Sour taste in mouth
A sour taste in the mouth is often accompanied by heartburn and is a symptom of stomach diseases with increased acidity of gastric juice. The appearance of a sour taste in the mouth, often accompanied by heartburn, may indicate the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis or. Typically, such diseases are accompanied by a number of other symptoms, which force them to consult a doctor.
If, apart from a sour taste in the mouth, there are no other symptoms, then you should consult a dentist, since the problem may arise as a result of wearing dental crowns made of base metals, diseases of the gums and teeth. In addition, poor-quality crowns, dentures and fillings can cause a metallic taste in the mouth.
Bad taste in the mouth during pregnancy
In organism expectant mother Already from the first days of pregnancy, changes occur that affect various organs and systems. Therefore, the appearance of a “foreign” taste in the oral cavity is not at all uncommon. By the way, the appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth, which a woman often pays attention to even before she finds out that she will become a mother, has long been considered one of the first signs of pregnancy.
The appearance of bitterness in the mouth may be associated with minor disturbances in the functioning of the liver and biliary tract, and a sour taste, accompanied by, often appears in the second trimester of pregnancy. Usually these unpleasant symptoms do not threaten the health of the expectant mother and baby and disappear after childbirth, but if they nevertheless appear and cause discomfort to the pregnant woman, then you should definitely bring this to the attention of a doctor.
Which doctor should I contact?
If an unpleasant taste appears in the mouth, you should consult a physician and undergo an initial examination - blood tests, ultrasonography abdominal organs, if necessary - endoscopy. If diseases of the digestive organs are detected, the patient will be referred to a gastroenterologist, and if there is pathology of the endocrine glands - to an endocrinologist. It is also worth contacting your dentist and checking the condition of your oral cavity.
Video version of the article:
The taste of iron in the mouth, as if you had just licked a battery, is a rather unpleasant feeling that can appear sometimes or bother you constantly. In addition, many diseases of the digestive system can manifest themselves as such symptoms, so such a signal from the body cannot be ignored.
In this topic, we want to tell you why an iron taste appears in your mouth, what you need to do in this case, and which specialists you should contact. But first, let’s look at what taste is, how it is formed, and which organ is responsible for taste perception.
The tongue not only takes part in the formation of sounds, but is also responsible for the perception of taste. How does this happen?
There are more than two thousand taste buds on the tongue, which contain taste buds. The papillae of the tongue are distinguished by their shape, as well as by purpose. There are filiform, mushroom-shaped, leaf-shaped and grooved taste buds.
Various substances that enter the oral cavity, and, accordingly, the tongue, penetrating deep into the taste bud, irritate the nerve endings located there. The signal received by the receptor is sent to the brain, where, after processing, it provides information about the taste of the substance.
It should also be noted that different parts of the tongue are responsible for the perception of a certain taste: the tip is responsible for the perception of sweet taste, the middle part - sour, the edges of the tongue - salty and sour, and the root - bitter.
The taste depends on the following factors:
- concentration of the main substance in food;
- the area of the tongue on which food has fallen;
- food temperature.
An iron taste in the mouth is not always a consequence of any disease, since this is how the body can react to external irritants. It all depends on how often such a sensation occurs, what symptoms accompany it and in what situation it occurs.
An iron taste in the mouth may appear due to the following non-pathological factors:
- mineral water enriched with iron ions. Such waters are prescribed for the treatment of iron deficiency conditions;
- poor quality tap water. In an old plumbing system whose pipes are rusty, the water is saturated with iron ions;
- metal dentures or implants. If a person who has metal dentures or implants eats acidic food or drinks an acidic drink, the iron ions will react with organic acids, which will cause an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth. Also, a similar sensation may appear if dentures are made of different metals, which can also react with each other;
- using aluminum or cast iron cookware when cooking. Organic acids products come into chemical reaction with ions of the metal from which the dishes are made;
- presence of piercings on the tongue, lips. The metal from which the jewelry is made reacts with acidic foods or drinks, resulting in a metallic taste in the mouth;
- poor oral hygiene. Plaque on the tongue, caries and tartar can also provoke a similar sensation;
- massive body jewelry, watches and metal bracelets.
Metallic taste in the mouth during pregnancy
In women, a metallic taste is often observed during pregnancy, the appearance of which is explained by the following:
- exacerbation chronic diseases;
- iron deficiency;
- lack of vitamins and microelements in the female body;
- changes in the perception of taste receptors against the background of hormonal changes in the body.
Most often, a metallic taste in women's mouth occurs due to hormonal changes. female body caused by pregnancy.
The appearance of such a taste in the mouth may be accompanied by attacks of nausea, especially early in the morning or when coming into contact with certain aromas or foods. Pregnant women may also notice changes in taste, increased sensitivity and enlarged mammary glands.
Other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, runny nose, cough, bitterness in the mouth or sensory disturbances, are absent in this case.
The listed symptoms are considered normal in the first and second trimesters, but their appearance in the third trimester may be a sign of pathology. Therefore, if you are concerned about such symptoms, inform your gynecologist about this in order to rule out diseases or start treatment in time.
Metallic taste in the mouth in women who are in menopause
During menopause, significant hormonal changes occur in a woman’s body, which affect the activity of almost all organs and systems. Therefore, very often ladies complain of a constant or periodic metallic taste in their mouth.
Menopause can also provoke an exacerbation of chronic diseases, one of the symptoms of which is a metallic taste in the mouth. Also, similar sensations can be caused by anemia, which often appears during menopause.
Metallic taste in mouth during menstruation
Over the course of a few days and during menstruation, women’s hormonal levels also change greatly, which can distort the sensitivity of taste buds.
Metallic taste in men's mouths after running
Not only men, but also women, after intense running, especially over long distances, notice an unpleasant taste of metal in their mouths. This phenomenon can be explained by two reasons, namely:
- due to excessive physical activity the capillaries of the upper respiratory tract and lungs are injured;
- Due to strong physical activity, the capillaries of the gums can rupture, causing them to bleed.
Iron taste in the mouth as a symptom of illness
Often, a metallic taste in the mouth means that a substance has entered the body, which has led to its poisoning. A similar symptom may be accompanied by intoxication with mercury, lead, arsenic, copper or zinc.
Poisoning with the listed substances is most often observed in people working in industrial enterprises.
Persons who have been poisoned by one of the mentioned metals, in addition to an unpleasant taste in the mouth, will experience other signs of intoxication, for example, abdominal pain, dry mouth, thirst, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases even possible disturbance of consciousness.
If these symptoms appear, you should immediately run to the phone and call ambulance, since heavy metal poisoning threatens not only serious health consequences, but also death.
Also, the appearance of an iron taste in the mouth can be one of the manifestations of the following diseases:
- periodontitis or inflammation of the gums. For of this disease also characterized by bleeding gums, thickening of saliva, bad breath, and loose teeth;
- anemia due to lack of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid in organism. With anemia, patients also complain of general weakness, fatigue, perversion of taste, dryness and pallor skin, brittle hair and nails, bleeding gums, dizziness, palpitations and other symptoms.
- liver diseases. Hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cystosis can provoke a metallic sensation in the mouth;
- pathology of the biliary tract. Most often, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis and biliary dyskinesia lead to a metallic taste in the mouth. Patients may also experience pain in the right hypochondrium, heartburn, nausea, vomiting and other unpleasant symptoms;
- diabetes. The taste of metal in the mouth in diabetes mellitus is associated with the active breakdown of fats, resulting in the formation of a large number of ketone bodies that penetrate into the blood;
- stomach diseases. Gastritis and peptic ulcers can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. In addition, there are symptoms such as pain in the epigastrium after eating or “hungry” pain in the stomach, flatulence, bowel dysfunction, nausea and vomiting;
- inflammation of the tongue. This disease may be viral, bacterial, fungal, thermal or chemical in nature. Patients note pain in the tongue, changes in taste, increased salivation, redness and swelling of the tongue;
- inflammation of the oral mucosa. It is characterized by the appearance of erosions, ulcers, aphthae or areas of necrosis on the oral mucosa, which occurs due to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection;
- otolaryngological diseases. Most often, the taste of metal in the mouth is provoked by a fungal infection of the sinuses, larynx, throat or external auditory canal;
- diseases of the central nervous system. Experts note that this symptom can often be observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease, brain cancer and multiple sclerosis. In addition to the metallic taste in the mouth, neurological symptoms will certainly be present (impaired swallowing, hand tremors, amnesia, memory loss, changes in motor coordination, etc.);
- lung diseases. Inflammation, tuberculosis and lung cancer are diseases that can lead to an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth, since coughing produces a variety of mucus that irritates the taste buds. These diseases are also accompanied by cough, symptoms of intoxication, hemoptysis and shortness of breath.
Metallic taste in the mouth as a side effect of drugs
There are a number of drugs that can cause a low-intensity or strong metallic taste in the mouth, namely:
- antimicrobial drugs (Metrogyl, Tetracycline, Ornidazole and others;
- glucocorticosteroid drugs (Prednisolone, Metipred, Prednisolone);
- oral hormonal contraceptives(Yarina, Femoden, Zhannina);
- antacid drugs (Omez, Nolpaza, Epicur);
- cholesterol-lowering drugs (Atoris, Simvastatin);
- antiallergic drugs (Suprastinex, Diazolin, Tavegil);
- medicines for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (Glycon, Diaformin);
- antihypertensive drugs (Enap, Ednit, Kaptopress);
- biological supplements that are aimed at reducing body weight.
Thus, we have looked at what an iron taste in the mouth means and why it occurs. Therefore, if you are bothered by a metallic taste in your mouth for a long time, do not hesitate to visit a specialist. First of all, you need to seek advice from a general practitioner or gastroenterologist, who, after comprehensive examination your body, determine the cause of this sensation and prescribe treatment. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to related specialists: an otolaryngologist, an endocrinologist, a neurologist, a dentist, etc.
