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What Causes Metallic Taste In The Mouth, Diarrhea, Vomiting And Fatigue?
Question: A friend of mine has been having one or twice a month a metallic taste in his mouth and having diarrhea and throwing up and feeling worn out which is probably normal from his symptoms. He isn't on any antibiotics or has any food allergies that he knows of. I'm a nurse and I at first thought it could be a food allergy and I know it can be from lackn of dental hygiene the metallic taste. He did go see a Doctor quite awhile ago and he said he was healthy! Now the symptoms are back,I told him he needs to go see another Doctor to find out. I thought maybe it was IBS which I have but oviously his Doctor is the one to see what ie going on with him. What do you think? Thanks XXXXXXX XXXX
Brief Answer:
Several reasons might be the cause
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
There are several causes of the metallic taste in the mouth.
Medications might be the cause of it sometimes. Even over the counter medications like the ones for allergy might cause metallic taste, cetrizine for example so make sure to ask your friend if he uses over the counter medications that might be the cause.
Food allergy is an important one and is hard to rule out. Skin allergy test might help identify food allergies.
Gums are a common cause of metallic taste if they are inflamed, not only caries but even when gums are swollen or unhealthy. Good oral hygiene with brushing and flossing regularly is important.
In some patients pregnancy might be a cause.
If a patient has sinusitis and post nasal drip might cause secretions at the back of the throat and metallic taste. If your friend has nasal congestion, sneezing or itching then trying medication for allergic sinusitis might help. Nasal saline solution lavage a few times a day might help clear secretions and improve symptoms.
If your friend has heartburn or burping this might indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease and taking omeprazole and doing some changes in food and eating habits might be helpful:
for example having frequent small meals and avoid sparkling drinks and caffeine in the second part of the day, avoid junk food and fried food to reduce reflux and the metallic taste.
If the patient is smoking or uses alcohol more than 3 units a day then this is a good chance to consider quitting smoking and reducing alcohol use.
I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
Several reasons might be the cause
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
There are several causes of the metallic taste in the mouth.
Medications might be the cause of it sometimes. Even over the counter medications like the ones for allergy might cause metallic taste, cetrizine for example so make sure to ask your friend if he uses over the counter medications that might be the cause.
Food allergy is an important one and is hard to rule out. Skin allergy test might help identify food allergies.
Gums are a common cause of metallic taste if they are inflamed, not only caries but even when gums are swollen or unhealthy. Good oral hygiene with brushing and flossing regularly is important.
In some patients pregnancy might be a cause.
If a patient has sinusitis and post nasal drip might cause secretions at the back of the throat and metallic taste. If your friend has nasal congestion, sneezing or itching then trying medication for allergic sinusitis might help. Nasal saline solution lavage a few times a day might help clear secretions and improve symptoms.
If your friend has heartburn or burping this might indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease and taking omeprazole and doing some changes in food and eating habits might be helpful:
for example having frequent small meals and avoid sparkling drinks and caffeine in the second part of the day, avoid junk food and fried food to reduce reflux and the metallic taste.
If the patient is smoking or uses alcohol more than 3 units a day then this is a good chance to consider quitting smoking and reducing alcohol use.
I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Answered by
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