Change in taste
A temporary change in taste is commonly due to colds and flu or recently-eaten food. Though, some digestive health conditions can also lead to a change in taste (dysgeusia).
If you frequently experience a change in taste, you may have an undiagnosed digestive problem. Speak to one of our specialists to get this checked.
Read on to learn more about the symptoms and causes of a change in taste. We also discuss how to treat this.
When to seek emergency care
A change in taste will rarely indicate that you need to seek emergency treatment. However, the accompanying symptoms might. For example, if you experience a sudden loss of taste and difficulty breathing or swallowing. You should also seek emergency care if you experience a sudden loss or change in taste after a head injury.
Symptoms
We need to eat at least three times each day. So we understand how upsetting it can be when you no longer enjoy your food. We have five primary tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. But, a digestive health condition can cause an altered sense of taste.
You might find that all the foods you eat taste the same or have the same sort of tang to them. Others experience a lack of taste or a total loss of taste (ageusia). Your symptoms may come and go frequently or persist.
A change in taste may be
- Sour
- Foul
- Bitter
- Salty
- Metallic
Your altered taste may continue even after brushing your teeth, which can be unpleasant. Though it often depends on the cause.
The type of taste you are experiencing may also differ depending on the cause. For example, acid reflux and indigestion can lead to a bitter taste in the mouth. A metallic taste, however, may be a side effect of over-the-counter vitamins, medications, gastritis, or a temporary infection. Both can be a sign of pregnancy.
Symptoms that could indicate digestive problems
A change in taste may be your only symptom, or you may experience it along with a range of other symptoms.
As well as a change in taste, you may experience:
- Acid reflux (heartburn) and indigestion
- Swallowing problems (Dysphagia)
- Coughing and throat clearing
- Chest pain and discomfort
- Mouth sores and ulcers
- Upper abdominal pain
- Hoarseness of voice
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- A dry mouth
- Bad breath
- Bloating
Speak to your doctor or a dentist if your symptoms persist after making simple lifestyle changes (listed below). They may recommend speaking to a gastroenterologist.
Causes of a change in taste
An altered sense of taste may be due to your lifestyle choices, such as smoking. It could also be due to dental issues or a side effect of certain medications and oral supplements. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, this can also lead to a change in taste.
Some digestive health conditions can lead to a persistent or frequent change in taste.
These include
- Gastritis
- Functional heartburn
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Functional dyspepsia
- Gastrointestinal infection
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)
- Burning mouth syndrome (BMS)
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
GORD
GORD is one of the most common causes of a persistent bad taste in the mouth. It causes chronic acid reflux. If you have GORD, you might also experience bloating, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, and a persistent sore throat (oesophagitis). LPR, also known as silent reflux, shares the same symptoms, though it often presents with no symptoms.
Burning mouth syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is not common, but it often causes a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth. Its main symptom is a burning sensation in the lips, tongue or somewhere else in the mouth. You might find your symptoms worsen throughout the day, whereas GORD symptoms are often strongest in the morning, after sleeping.
Medications
Certain medications can also affect your sense of taste and smell.
These include
- Diuretics
- Beta blockers
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants
- Blood pressure medications
- Antibiotics, such as metronidazole
- Multivitamins containing minerals or metals, such as copper, iron, or zinc
Diagnosis
During your initial consultation, we will perform a visual assessment and discuss your symptoms in detail. We will ask whether you have any accompanying symptoms and how severe or uncomfortable your symptoms are.
Let us know whether this change in taste is worse at certain times of the day or after eating certain foods. We will also ask about your medical history and possibly your close family’s medical history.
The following tests we recommend will depend on your answers to those questions. An upper endoscopy (gastroscopy) is a common diagnostic test that we use to look for signs of many digestive problems. Including GORD, LPR, functional heartburn, functional dyspepsia, and gastritis.
If we suspect burning mouth syndrome, we may recommend a blood test to identify any deficiencies causing your symptoms. We might also perform a mouth swab to rule out a fungal infection (oral thrush), leading to secondary BMS.
Treatment
We tailor each of our treatment plans to your specific symptoms and diagnosis. The treatment we recommend will depend on the findings of our tests. If you think a dental issue is causing your symptoms, speak to a dentist.
Treatments range from lifestyle changes to prescription medications and possibly surgery. Surgery is an option if your other symptoms, such as acid reflux, are severe and don’t respond to medications.
Lifestyle changes
- Suck on ice
- Quit smoking
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Chewing sugar-free gum
- Try eating more cold foods
- Avoiding acid reflux risk factors
- Limit spicy and extremely sweet foods
- Add flavour to foods with herbs, lemon, and sauces
- Regular dental care, e.g. flossing and tongue-scraping
- Replace metal cutlery and bottles with plastic or glass versions
If you are taking medications for another condition, such as diabetes or depression, discuss the side effects with your doctor. If your symptoms are persistent, don’t just put up with them. Book an appointment with a doctor or gastroenterologist.
Medications and supplements
If we identify a vitamin deficiency, we may recommend taking a vitamin supplement. We may also recommend talking to a dietician to discuss how to adapt your diet. You might need to change any supplements you are currently taking if we believe those are causing your symptoms.
If you are experiencing frequent acid reflux, we may prescribe medications to reduce your reflux. These may include H2 blockers, such as famotidine, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole. We may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as limiting coffee and alcohol consumption and sleeping at an incline.
Book an appointment
Don’t put up with a persistent change in taste. Our gastroenterologists offer thorough consultations, testing, and treatment for a range of digestive health disorders.
Our clinic’s holistic approach utilises a broad selection of experts, from dieticians to surgeons. Book an initial consultation today and take back your sense of taste.