A metallic sensation can occur for a variety of reasons. This can be a symptom of a serious illness, a side effect of taking certain medications, or a signal that it is time to review your diet.
Be that as it may, the question "If the taste of iron in your mouth is a sign of what?" occurs in people who have encountered this phenomenon, for understandable reasons. Therefore, it is now worth discussing this topic in detail.
Excess metal in the body
This is one of the most obvious reasons why this phenomenon can occur. Although, in fact, there are even several of them:
- The presence of a piercing. If a person wears iron jewelry on his lips or tongue, then it is quite possible that the smack of metal in him is justified by their constant presence in the mucous cavity.
- Braces or dentures. Same as with piercing. The taste will be especially bright if these products are made of dissimilar metals.
It is worth mentioning that this phenomenon has a name - galvanic syndrome. Due to the fact that the mucous membrane interacts with dissimilar metals, current pulses appear in the mouth. And this can not be ignored - this condition must be treated.
Intoxication or heavy metal poisoning also often causes a taste of iron in the mouth. This can happen even if a person simply stays for a while in an atmosphere with a high content of copper (and especially mercury or arsenic). But then he will still be bothered by nausea and a headache. By the way, toxic fumes can be encountered in factories, chemical warehouses or even in freshly painted rooms.
Gastrointestinal problems
Because of them, the taste of iron in the mouth may also appear. It’s hard to say what this feeling is. But the fact that in diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract, the level of acidity changes is a fact. Typically, a smack of metal indicates the following pathologies:
- Pathology of the gallbladder. They are also accompanied by pain in the right hypochondrium, bitterness in the mouth and heartburn.
- Gastritis with low acidity. Other symptoms include alternating constipation and diarrhea, discomfort after eating, heartburn, and belching with a bad smell.
- An ulcer of the duodenum or gastric mucosa. Disorders of stool, vomiting, heartburn, plaque on the tongue and severe pain in the epigastrium are also observed.
The treatment of each disease is specific. It is prescribed by the doctor after a detailed diagnosis. But in any case, the main task is to establish a secretory function, normalize the intestinal microflora, eliminate inflammation and destroy pathogens that only poison the body.
Liver disease
They can also cause a taste of iron in the mouth. A sign of what this symptom is is as hard to say as in the case of the gastrointestinal tract. Why? Because the liver, in principle, cannot hurt. And the appearance of a metallic taste in the vast majority of cases is the only symptom that indicates problems. And there are many options:
- Damage to the vessels of the liver.
- Hepatitis.
- Focal lesions (abscess, for example).
- Congenital malformations.
- Hepatosis.
- Parasitic diseases.
- Fibrosis or cirrhosis.
- Lesions of the intrahepatic bile ducts.
In addition to the taste of metal, a person is concerned about nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in eating habits, and sharp weight loss.
The treatment is also individual, but usually doctors prescribe hepatoprotectors and restorative agents. The goal of therapy is to protect the liver, restore the outflow of bile, have an antioxidant effect, lower cholesterol and improve immunity.
Bile duct problems
If a person notices the taste of iron in his mouth in the morning, then most likely, he began to develop cholecystitis, cholangitis or dyskinesia. Any of these conditions is fraught with a violation of the production of bile.
This is a serious problem, because this secret is the most important component of the digestive process. Without bile, it is impossible to break down fats, activate enzymes and stimulate motility of the small intestine.
In addition to the metallic taste, there are other symptoms. The main alarm is pain in the right side of the abdomen. They can be either spastic or weak. If the pathology has developed, then the discomfort will intensify with a deep breath. Why? Because at this moment the diaphragm moves, because of which the internal organs are displaced.
Drug therapy is required. And she is quite specific. For hypertensive dyskinesia, for example, prescribe antispasmodics (Gimekromon, Mebeverin, Papaverine), as well as anticholinergics (Gastrocepin). And in acute cholecystitis, strong painkillers are prescribed (Baralgin, Buscopan) in combination with antibiotics (Ampioks, Gentamicin, Erythromycin).
In general, the specific treatment depends on the particular case. In addition to complex drug therapy, it will be necessary to follow a diet. Her goal is to maximize gastrointestinal sparing. It is important to establish the outflow of bile without overloading the gastrointestinal tract.
Oral diseases
Often it is ailments of this nature that cause the taste of iron in the mouth. Most often, such diseases occur:
- Glossitis.
- Stomatitis.
- Gingivitis.
- Periodontitis.
With these diseases, gums still begin to bleed. Other symptoms include increased salivation, a foreign body sensation in the mouth, a change in taste preferences, burning and redness of the tongue, and toothache.
As a rule, an infection is the cause of diseases of the oral cavity. Treatment is prescribed only after determining the pathogen. Because a number of drugs that are effective against some parasitic bacteria will be powerless against others.
Endocrine diseases
Talking about why the taste of iron may appear in the mouth, this reason should also be mentioned. Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder that can cause this symptom.
Unfortunately, a metallic taste in a precomatous state appears especially often. In parallel, the presence of acetone is observed in the urine, and the patient is overcome by stupidity, mental disorders and even hallucinations.
They can be saved only by urgent administration of insulin. After the restoration of fat and carbohydrate metabolism, the metallic taste with other symptoms will disappear.
Diabetes is indicated by a number of symptoms. They can be distinguished in the following list:
- Weakness.
- Drowsiness and constant yawning.
- Unquenchable thirst and frequent urination.
- Dry mouth.
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds.
- Itching of the skin and genitals.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Vision problems.
- Cardiopalmus.
- Sharp weight loss.
- Rapid breathing, often with an acetone odor.
The treatment for diabetes is very complicated. But, in short, it is aimed at compensating for carbohydrate metabolism, normalizing body weight, as well as preventing and eliminating complications.
It should be noted that other ailments accompanied by hypofunction, dysfunction or hyperfunction of the endocrine glands can also be accompanied by the appearance of an unpleasant metallic taste.
Hormonal disorders
For this reason, the taste of iron in the mouth in women most often appears. Hormonal imbalance is observed in the following cases:
- Menstruation.
- Pregnancy.
- Menopause.
- The period of breastfeeding.
Hormonal failure can lead to a variety of diseases. Usually, immunity is weakened, and the body begins to lack vitamins and nutrients. Especially iron.
Oddly enough, but the lack of this element causes its taste in the mouth. If there is not enough iron in the body, anemia can develop. This is a serious disease and must be actively treated. Usually, doctors prescribe an additional intake of trace elements and vitamins, a special diet, as well as symptomatic therapy of those pathologies that provoked the development of anemia.
Birth control
This is a particularly common cause of iron taste in women. The fact is that contraceptives consist of hormones (but of artificial origin), which affect not only the general condition of the woman, but also directly on the receptors. Therefore, many girls who take birth control pills change their taste preferences.
This is an individual reaction of the body. Judging by the reviews, it is not always possible to immediately find contraceptives that would ideally fit a particular girl. That is why you need to do this together with a specialist. After conducting analyzes and identifying the individual characteristics of the patient’s body, it will be possible to choose a suitable contraceptive with the greatest probability.
Malnutrition
Another common cause of iron taste in men and women. If a person eats spicy and smoked foods, constantly eats only fried foods, and also ignores vegetables and fruits, then it is time for him to reconsider his diet. Having diversified his menu with healthy food, in just 10 days he will notice that the unpleasant aftertaste has disappeared.
It is also not recommended to lean on mineral drinks, which contain iron ions. A similar effect is obtained by the use of untreated raw water. Therefore, it is forbidden to drink from the tap - there is a risk of introducing into your body not only sediment of rust, which usually accumulates on water pipes, but also parasitic bacteria.
Lack of vitamins
Perhaps a person suffers from it if he has a taste of iron in his mouth. A sign of what this sensation may be has been described above, and it is worth noting that a lack of vitamins is a rather harmless state. In any case, it is easy to fix.
If you feel a metallic taste, you need to diversify your diet with products containing B vitamins (especially folic acid). Here's what is recommended to eat:
- Fish.
- Beef liver.
- A hen.
- Dairy products and eggs.
- Beans
- Soy milk.
- Oats
- Seeds and nuts.
- Spinach.
- Bananas
- Greens.
- Asparagus.
- Corn.
- Avocado.
You can also take pharmacy vitamin complexes, but their advisability is best discussed with your doctor.
Other reasons
The taste of iron in the mouth in men and women is often provoked by other conditions. The reasons not listed above can be distinguished in such a list:
- Lead poisoning. This substance can be ingested by inhalation of vapors, dust or soot. Even regular gasoline can become a source.
- Taking some medications. A taste of the metal may appear after the use of amoxicillin, trichopolum, histamine, etc.
- Bad habits. Alcohol and smoking do not bring benefits in principle. And the fact that taste sensations are distorted with excessive use of nicotine and alcohol is natural.
In general, unambiguously answer the question "What does the taste of iron in the mouth mean?" difficult. Everything is very individual.
But it’s one thing if a person encounters him situationally - say, after he drank untreated water. But when this taste is constantly present, you need to see a doctor, and as soon as possible. There is a risk of developing a serious disease, and therefore it is impossible to delay treatment.