A metallic taste in the mouth is a relatively common side effect of medications. Many causes of metallic taste in mouth are benign, and clear up on their own. Taste changes are a common side effect of many cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Allergies are usually treated by making lifestyle changes to reduce contact with dust, mold, and other allergens. 4. Infection. Most people only experience impaired taste…. A doctor will likely look at your medical history, perform a physical exam, and ask you about your symptoms. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Because smell and taste are so closely linked, sinus issues can impair a person’s sense of taste or cause a metallic taste in the mouth. Other side effects of chemotherapy include: Many who are pregnant experience fatigue, nausea, and a metallic taste from fluctuating hormone levels. Find…, © 2004-2020 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Does your mouth taste like you’ve been munching on old coins? Cold, sinuses and upper respiratory tract infections can leave a metallic taste in your mouth. It can also lead to a dry mouth, which might contribute to this bad taste. All rights reserved. Get regular dental checkups, brush your teeth twice per day, and floss daily. All rights reserved. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Captopril (Capoten), one of many different ACE inhibitors, causes taste disturbances in approximately 2 to 4 percent of people taking the drug, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescribing information. When you think about how your sense of taste works, it’s easy to see how it can get a little messed up. If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, a fever over 103 degrees, or pressure in your chest, you should seek medical attention. It can have a wide range of causes that may be temporary or long-lasting. This happens when the cancer treatments are injected into the bloodstream, and also get into saliva. Find ways to manage the cause of your anxiety. This article looks at the best ways to treat and prevent a cold during pregnancy. Type 2 diabetes: Drug duo may remain effective for 2 years, Magic mushroom therapy found effective for treating depression, What to do if you catch a cold when pregnant, Everything you need to know about a goiter, trauma to the mouth, including tooth removal, middle ear infection or other upper respiratory infections, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, for Alzheimer’s disease, ethionamide, an antibacterial treatment for tuberculosis. Last medically reviewed on August 16, 2020. Prevention participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. If you have a viral infection, such as a sinus infection or COVID-19, it’s important to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to allow your body to recuperate. Here’s What Sugar Really Does to Your Brain. People who do not brush their teeth or floss regularly may experience changes in taste, including a metallic taste. However, they may also refer you to get a blood test if they suspect you may have a nutritional deficiency or if they suspect another underlying cause. Goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 19.2 million people in the United States were diagnosed with hay fever between 2017 and 2018. Here’s our process. "Swelling and blockage in the salivary ducts can impair salivary flow," says Dr. Ford. Because smell and taste are so closely linked, sinus issues can impair a person’s sense of taste or cause a metallic taste in the mouth. People may experience this as a metallic taste. But others may be work bringing to your doctor. The unpleasant taste can develop suddenly or over longer periods of time. Anxiety stimulates the release of your body’s stress hormones, which may impact your sense of taste. Other symptoms can vary based on the type of infection, but may include: COVID-19 is an illness caused by a strand of coronavirus discovered in late 2019. Opt for chicken, tofu, or dairy products instead of red meat. "With presence of infection, blood flow to the tongue may be reduced, taste buds may become blocked or saliva output can decrease which also impacts taste buds and results in impairment of taste," says Dr. Allen. Metformin is a treatment for diabetes. It causes a bitter metallic taste in your mouth that can last up to a month. Other conditions that can sometimes cause a metallic taste: pregnancy, indigestion, cancer treatment, antibiotics, and gum disease. Your kidneys filter out waste and excess water from your blood. Any changes to these nerves can create permanent alterations in our perception," says Dr. Ford. Neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis and Bell's Palsy can also impact your body's sense of taste by disrupting the central nervous system. You may experience fatigue when dealing with allergies due to chemical changes in your body and disrupted sleep. People with end stage kidney disease often complain of a metallic taste in their mouth. Because the taste buds send signals to the brain, taste changes can occur if part of the brain is not working as it should. What Causes a Metallic Taste in My Mouth? If you're congested and stuffy, this could be a cause of the metallic taste. But some medical conditions can cause a sweet taste in your mouth. A blocked nose is one symptom of a sinus issue. The cause of these symptoms can be anything from a minor issue like seasonal allergies to potentially serious conditions such as kidney failure. In this article, learn more about a metallic taste in the mouth, including causes, symptoms, and home remedies. Call a doctor’s office to schedule a test, or go to a testing facility. Colds are widespread during pregnancy and are typically harmless. Poor oral hygiene may cause a metallic taste in your mouth. The following are some potential causes of a metallic taste in the mouth. This is a doctor who specializes in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. "Head trauma can cause direct injury to the nerves that control our sense of taste and smell. A metallic taste can be an early symptom of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. The American Cancer Society suggest the following tips for people who experience taste changes due to cancer treatment: Substances that contain metals — such as iron, zinc, and copper — can also cause a metallic taste in the mouth.