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Have you ever heard someone say, “That left a bad taste in my mouth”? For some people with lupus, that bad taste is real. A metallic taste can stick around and make mealtimes less enjoyable. It’s more than just an annoyance, since changes in taste can affect nutrition and overall health.
Changes in your sense of taste can affect your well-being and even make it hard to maintain a healthy weight. One MyLupusTeam member wrote, “I have the most horrible dry, metallic taste in my mouth.” Another replied, “That happens to me … I lost weight due to this.”
In this article, we’ll look at why you might notice a strange metallic taste in your mouth. We’ll cover causes linked to lupus as well as other reasons it might last. We’ll also share tips to help you get rid of it.
It may seem strange, but changes in taste and smell are common side effects caused by medications. Researchers estimate that about half of the top 100 drugs in the United States cause these side effects. Some treatments for lupus are among the drugs that may cause changes in your sense of taste.
Methotrexate, azathioprine (Imuran), and cyclosporine can all cause changes in your sense of taste. Some supplements used to help with lupus symptoms, such as fish oil or omega-3, can also cause a bad taste in your mouth.
A few of the medications unrelated to lupus that can affect your taste include certain drugs in these categories:
If you think your medications may be causing changes in the way things taste, talk with your rheumatologist. They may be able to adjust your dose or change your meds to help you manage these side effects.
Good oral health is important, especially if you have lupus. Dry mouth can occur due to side effects of lupus medications or as a symptom of another condition called Sjögren’s disease (more on this below). Dry mouth can increase your risk of dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
It’s essential to see a dentist regularly, as they can provide professional cleanings and check for any signs of tooth or gum issues. Be sure to talk with your dentist about your condition. They can suggest changes to your daily care that make it easier to handle the challenges of your condition.
Separate from lupus, poor dental hygiene alone can lead to a metallic taste in your mouth. When you don’t brush or clean your mouth regularly, bacteria can build up and make things taste metallic. If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, it can lead to gum disease, like gingivitis or periodontitis, which may cause swelling and bleeding. It can also make the metallic taste worse.
Oral thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth that can cause a white coating on the tongue and unpleasant tastes. It happens when yeast grows too much, which can change how food and drinks taste. This often leaves a bad or sometimes metallic taste that sticks around.
Some lupus medications, like the corticosteroid prednisone, can upset the natural balance of microorganisms in your mouth. Microorganisms are tiny living organisms like bacteria and fungi. When that balance is disrupted, you have a higher risk of oral thrush.
Sometimes, a metallic taste in your mouth can develop because your body isn’t getting all the nutrients it needs. If you have a metallic taste in your mouth, it could be due to low levels of zinc, vitamin B3 (niacin), or vitamin B12.
To help manage these deficiencies and reduce the metallic taste, you’ll need to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Your healthcare provider can monitor your nutrient levels. If you’re low on a nutrient, they may recommend supplements or connect you with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to help you get the nutrients you need.
Autoimmune diseases develop when your immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune disease that can be triggered by lupus. Studies suggest that somewhere between 23 percent and 35 percent of people with lupus also have Sjogren’s disease. In Sjögren’s, the immune system attacks the glands in your body that produce moisture, including the salivary glands in your mouth. This condition can cause dryness in the eyes, mouth, and other parts of the body.
Talk to your doctor if you’ve noticed ongoing symptoms of dryness in these areas. They may order tests to check for Sjögren’s disease.
Kidney disease develops when your kidneys can’t filter waste from your blood. Metallic taste in the mouth is one potential symptom of chronic kidney disease. This symptom happens because waste products and toxins build up in your bloodstream, which can affect your taste buds and make food and drinks taste metallic or bitter.
Kidney disease is a common complication in people with lupus, especially those with lupus nephritis, which is kidney inflammation caused by lupus. In people with lupus, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, including the kidneys, leading to kidney damage. Chronic kidney disease can also cause changes in urination and swelling in the face, hands, legs, or feet. See a doctor if you notice these symptoms.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the body has trouble controlling levels of glucose in the blood, or blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes — the most common form — affects roughly 1 in 11 adults worldwide. According to some studies, people with lupus may have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes can cause a distorted sense of taste. If you’re concerned about your risk for developing diabetes, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone. Some studies estimate that around 6 percent of people with lupus develop hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can make foods taste bitter or metallic.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also known as acid reflux. In this condition, stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, which is the tube connecting your throat and stomach. One symptom of GERD is a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth, especially in the morning when you first wake up. Along with the metallic taste, you might have other gastrointestinal symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation (a feeling of food coming back up), or difficulty swallowing.
Pregnancy can bring about various changes in the body, including how food and drinks taste. This symptom results from hormonal changes during pregnancy. Foods that used to taste good may now have a weird flavor. Some describe it as a metallic or bitter taste. This taste is usually temporary and goes away after pregnancy.
If you’re concerned about food allergies, consider making an appointment with an allergist for testing. A metallic taste in your mouth after eating certain foods could be a sign of oral allergy syndrome, a type of food allergy. In rare cases, a metallic may be an early sign of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Call 911 right away if you notice a metallic taste along with swelling in your face, tongue, or throat, or if you have trouble breathing. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
If the metallic taste doesn’t go away, or if you have other concerning symptoms, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor. They can help figure out what might be causing the problem and give you options to treat or cope with this symptom.
On MyLupusTeam, people share their experiences with lupus, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Have you experienced a metallic taste in your mouth since being diagnosed with lupus? Let others know in the comments below.
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