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What Causes Persistent Bitter Taste On Back Of Tongue?

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Posted on Mon, 15 Sep 2014
Question: Hi there, I am 19 weeks pregnant. For the past few days, I've had a persistent bitter/sour taste on the back left of my tongue. The tongue is while and a bit bumpy back there, and my saliva smells a bit like vinegar. I tried baking soda, flossing more, brushing teeth, etc, and nothing really seems to help. I cannot see my doctor until next week. I hear pregnancy can cause bitter taste but would it be limited to one part of the tongue? If not, what else can cause this? Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You need evaluation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
Yes! it is very common symptom during pregnancy.
But in your case as you said that it occurs only on left side of your tongue then in my opinion you need evaluation.
It may be due to neuropathy( cause by vitamin b12 deficiency which is common during pregnancy)
Please do not worry problem resolved with time. Meanwhile your appointment with your doctor take vitamin b- complex, eat yogurt and food rich in vitamins.
I think I have answered your query if you have further questions I will be happy to help you.
Good luck.
Regards
Dr. Richa
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (9 hours later)
Hi there. Could a brain tumor display with this symptom? I have no signs of one, according to doctors itis very unlikely as I had a CT scan in February. If it was a brain tumor would I be having other symptoms with it? I do have a bit of anemia but I have been taking prenatals - could I still have some sort of deficiency? Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Chances of brain tumor are very less.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Nice to see you again.

In my opinion also your treating doctor is right because chances of brain tumor is very less in your case.( you are not having any other symptoms). Yes! there are so many symptoms associated with brain tumor like headache, weakness, vomiting, blurred vision, seizures etc. In brain tumor mainly numbness of tongue is there, sensation of taste may be diminished in most of the tumor.

I know you are taking prenatal drug but as you see you are suffering from anaemia (you are taking iron supplement) in a same way you can deficient in nutrients also whether you are taking it or not.

The reason of your problem is, in pregnancy usually demand increased.

Hope you are getting my point, so please take healthy and balanced diet. Enjoy your pregnancy. Wish you happy and safe motherhood.

Feel free to ask me more questions, I feel happy to help you.
Good luck.
Regards
Dr. Richa
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Richa Agarwal

OB & GYN Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 4031 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Bitter Taste On Back Of Tongue?

Brief Answer: You need evaluation. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to us. Yes! it is very common symptom during pregnancy. But in your case as you said that it occurs only on left side of your tongue then in my opinion you need evaluation. It may be due to neuropathy( cause by vitamin b12 deficiency which is common during pregnancy) Please do not worry problem resolved with time. Meanwhile your appointment with your doctor take vitamin b- complex, eat yogurt and food rich in vitamins. I think I have answered your query if you have further questions I will be happy to help you. Good luck. Regards Dr. Richa