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Low fluid levels in the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary edema, may account for a metallic taste or blood in the mouth during physical exertion. According to Dr. Robinson, when the heart and lungs are under significant stress, fluid can leak from blood vessels into the tiny air sacs of the lungs. This fluid can include small amounts of iron from red blood cells, potentially leading to a metallic taste in the mouth. While pulmonary edema is usually linked to heart or lung issues, Dr. Robinson emphasizes that in this context, it typically isn’t dangerous unless other symptoms, like chest pain or shortness of breath, present themselves.
If experiencing this occasional metallic or bloody taste during exercise becomes frequent or worsens, it’s advisable to consult a doctor. To mitigate these symptoms, Dr. Robinson recommends gradually increasing workout intensity, taking breaks when fatigued, staying hydrated, and using saline nasal sprays to maintain moisture in the nasal passages and reduce bleeding.
Oral health might be a factor.
A damaged oral environment could also lead to the unsettling experience of tasting blood or metal. Thomas Sollecito, DMD, chair of the Oral Medicine department at the University of Pennsylvania, explains that plaque buildup on teeth can irritate the gums, resulting in gingivitis. This early stage of gum disease typically doesn’t cause pain but can lead to a metallic taste as inflamed gums release minute quantities of blood. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that intensifies the unpleasant taste.
Dental infections, such as from a tooth, can present clearer symptoms alongside the metallic taste, as these usually prompt noticeable discomfort. Additionally, oral thrush, a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida, may also lead to this metallic sensation. In some cases, the typical white patches associated with this condition are not present, yet individuals may still experience a metallic taste and oral discomfort, especially if other factors, such as dry mouth from medications or dentures, are present.
Certain medications could be the culprit.
Numerous medications, exceeding 350 different types—including antihistamines, diabetes drugs, antidepressants, and some combinations of vitamins—can produce an unpleasant taste in the mouth. While some medications directly affect taste perception, others can activate bitter taste receptors. A well-known example is Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment for COVID-19, which has colloquially been termed “Paxlovid mouth” due to its notorious aftertaste. Notably, even intravenous treatments such as iron and B-vitamins can induce a metallic taste shortly after administration.
This odd taste typically resolves once the body metabolizes these medications. To alleviate the taste in the interim, strategies such as chewing ice or gum may be beneficial. For ongoing treatments, incorporating various flavorful foods can help disguise bitterness. An essential recommendation is to thoroughly chew food, helping release its flavor and countering any persistent unpleasant tastes.
In conclusion, addressing the underlying cause of a metallic taste is vital, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is essential, even if the cause seems relatively innocuous.
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