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What Causes Metallic Taste In Sputum?

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Posted on Mon, 30 Jan 2017
Question: When I cough and produce spit or sputum, it has a metallic taste. What would cause this?
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Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Many possible causes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

Metallic taste can have many causes from the simple ones, up to the serious ones.

If you are a smoker or live in an area that has very much environment pollution, then it's one of the most common causes.

Also, if you are taking Iron supplements, if you eat a lot foods that have extensive amount of Iron too.

When you've healed from this Bronchitis and still having this taste change, you will need to check your lungs (which your doctor might have done it meanwhile), your teeth (a tooth with caries may give this change) and your stomach (possible acid reflux).

If you have no problems after this Bronchitis, then you don't need to worry, because of the many possible causes I said in the beginning.

If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing your doctor again for a detailed ENT check-up in the first place.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1804 Questions

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What Causes Metallic Taste In Sputum?

Brief Answer: Many possible causes. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM to post your health query. I read carefully your question and I understand your concern. Metallic taste can have many causes from the simple ones, up to the serious ones. If you are a smoker or live in an area that has very much environment pollution, then it's one of the most common causes. Also, if you are taking Iron supplements, if you eat a lot foods that have extensive amount of Iron too. When you've healed from this Bronchitis and still having this taste change, you will need to check your lungs (which your doctor might have done it meanwhile), your teeth (a tooth with caries may give this change) and your stomach (possible acid reflux). If you have no problems after this Bronchitis, then you don't need to worry, because of the many possible causes I said in the beginning. If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing your doctor again for a detailed ENT check-up in the first place. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Regards, Dr. Papaqako