Tastes in the mouth: how they can signal diseases

Tastes in the mouth: how they can signal diseases

A taste in the mouth can be not only the result of a food or drink eaten, but also signal certain problems in the body. Each taste, whether sour, bitter, salty or metallic, can indicate different diseases. Understanding what exactly causes unusual sensations in the mouth is important for timely diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we will consider the main diseases that can manifest themselves through a change in taste.

1. Sour taste: stomach problems

A sour taste in the mouth often indicates problems with the gastrointestinal tract. This can be a symptom of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In the case of GERD, the contents of the stomach enter the esophagus, which can cause a feeling of acid in the mouth. A sour taste can also be the result of incomplete digestion of food, when gastric juices enter the oral cavity due to problems with the motility of the stomach or intestines.

2. Bitter taste: liver and gallbladder disease

A bitter taste in the mouth can be a sign of liver or gallbladder problems. This can indicate gallstone disease, chronic hepatitis, or even cirrhosis. In this case, it is important to pay attention to other symptoms, such as pain in the right side, jaundice, or changes in urine color. Bitter taste in the mouth can also appear after eating fatty foods or as a result of taking medications that affect the liver.

3. Salty taste: kidney problems or dehydration

A salty taste in the mouth often indicates kidney problems or a violation of the water-salt balance in the body. In such cases, it is necessary to check the functioning of the kidneys, as they play an important role in removing excess salts. Saltiness in the mouth can also appear with dehydration, when the body tries to retain water, or as a result of taking certain medications, including antihistamines.

4. Metallic taste: Infections and dental problems

A metallic taste in the mouth can be a sign of infectious diseases, such as tonsillitis or sinusitis, as well as dental problems, such as periodontitis or caries. This taste also often accompanies treatment with antibiotics or other medications that can affect taste buds. In addition, a metallic taste sometimes occurs in pregnant women, when hormonal changes affect taste sensations.

5. Sugary taste: Diabetes and metabolic problems

A sugary taste in the mouth can be associated with endocrine diseases, in particular diabetes. When blood sugar levels rise, the body can react to this by releasing ketones, which give a sweet taste. This is a dangerous signal, because diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as impaired functioning of the heart, kidneys and nervous system. A sugary taste can also be the result of malnutrition or metabolic disorders.

6. Non-specific tastes: stress and medication side effects

Sometimes changes in taste can be caused not by physiological problems, but by stress or medication side effects. Psychological conditions, anxiety, depression can cause various sensations in the mouth, including a metallic or bitter taste. Also, many medications can change the taste receptors, including antibiotics, high blood pressure drugs or chemotherapy.

Although changes in taste in the mouth can be a consequence of eating certain foods, they can also signal serious health problems. It is important to pay attention to the duration and nature of these changes in order to consult a doctor in time. Diagnosis and treatment in the early stages of the disease help to avoid complications and maintain health.