You may have noticed that your cough sometimes has a metallic taste. This is a symptom of a number of different ailments including COVID-19 and sinus infections. Despite your symptoms, there are ways to help relieve your discomfort.
COVID-19
Metal taste when coughing is a common symptom of many illnesses. It usually goes away after the underlying cause is treated. However, if it persists, you should visit a doctor.
COVID is a disease caused by a coronavirus that damages cells in the roof of the nose. Although the symptoms aren’t usually life-threatening, they can cause sneezing and nasal congestion. You may also have other flu-like symptoms.
A symptom of COVID is a metallic taste in the mouth. The flavor can be salty, bitter, or sweet. People may also lose their sense of smell.
When a person is diagnosed with COVID, a blood test can confirm the diagnosis. During the test, a doctor will look at your medical history and perform a physical exam. He or she will also ask you about any other symptoms. If you have any of these, your doctor will prescribe a medication to treat them.
Usually, when you are diagnosed with COVID, you will start to feel better after a couple of weeks. You will probably be able to eat more food without feeling ill, but you will still have to avoid metal utensils and other materials that can damage your gastrointestinal tract.
While there is no known cure for COVID, you may be able to receive antiviral treatment. You can ask your doctor for information about authorized COVID-19 treatments.
The most likely causes of metallic taste when coughing are a coronavirus infection, a vaccine, or a side effect of a medication. Other possible reasons include a gum disease or airway problem. Medications such as lithium and insulin are thought to be promising in treating COVID taste loss.
Treatment of COVID is often a combination of antiviral medications and lifestyle changes. You should eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. Avoid touching your eyes or nose and stay away from metal utensils.
Your doctor may also refer you for a blood test. Depending on the result, your doctor can advise you on other possible changes to your life.
Besides metallic taste, there are other symptoms of COVID-19. Loss of taste is the most common symptom, but it can also occur as part of the infection.
Food allergies
The metallic taste you experience when you cough can be a sign of an underlying health condition or a medication you’re taking. It is best to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you have.
You may also be experiencing a fever or other flu-like symptoms. If so, you should see your doctor immediately.
A cold or sinus infection can also cause a metallic taste. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat these conditions. Also, you might need to quit smoking to reduce the taste.
Other medications can also change the taste of your mouth. For example, antidepressants can make your mouth dry and shut down the taste buds. Some multivitamins contain heavy metals that can also exacerbate the taste.
Another reason to see a doctor if you have a metallic taste is if you are experiencing other symptoms, such as headache or sore throat. These symptoms can be a symptom of other illnesses, such as kidney disease.
Symptoms of a food allergy include nausea and stomach upset. They can also be symptoms of anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that can close your airways and trigger a heart attack.
Food allergies are not uncommon. Some people are allergic to tree nuts, shellfish, soy, milk, and eggs. This is called a classic allergy, and it’s triggered by proteins in these foods.
However, a serious allergic reaction can be deadly. Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that causes your body to overreact to a protein in a food, creating antibodies. When you eat an allergenic protein, your immune system produces IgE antibodies. Those antibodies release chemicals that cause your symptoms.
The best way to avoid a food allergy is to stay away from the items that cause it. In addition, you can sign up for the CFIA’s e-mail notification service.
Although there is no known cure for a food allergy, you can get help. For example, you can find a variety of alternative medications that may help you alleviate your metallic taste.
Metal water bottles, a common culprit, can also aggravate the taste. To help disguise the taste, you can try drinking water with a slice of citrus fruit in it.
Sinus infections
When you cough, you may notice a metallic taste in your mouth. This can be caused by a number of things, including a sinus infection or an upper respiratory infection.
A sinus infection is a condition that occurs when a person’s nasal passages get inflamed. The swelling causes mucus to build up, causing pressure and pain. It can also lead to bad breath, a sore throat, and a foul taste in the mouth.
If you have sinusitis, the best treatment is to keep the sinuses clear. You can help by rinsing the nasal passages with saline sprays, or you can use a prescription nasal spray. Medications with steroids can be helpful, too.
Symptoms of a sinus infection can include a fever, headache, pain, and pressure in the nose and head. Your healthcare provider can diagnose the infection by asking you about your symptoms. They may refer you to an ENT specialist, or they may perform imaging studies to better assess your sinuses.
Bacterial sinusitis is often the result of an infection of the paranasal sinuses. The four pairs of these sinuses are located behind and below the eye sockets.
Viral sinusitis usually results from the same viruses that cause the common cold. However, it’s not uncommon for bacterial infections to occur after a viral infection. These infections will likely need antibiotics to treat.
Chronic sinusitis is not as common as it once was. In fact, chronic sinusitis now affects less than one in five people. Unlike acute sinusitis, which is short-lived and resolves on its own, chronic sinusitis lasts for weeks or months.
In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a ct scan to check the size and location of your sinuses. Your healthcare provider may also order an endoscope, which is a small, flexible tool that allows your doctor to look inside your nose.
A postnasal drip can also cause a metallic taste in the mouth. During a postnasal drip, your mucus will drain from the nose into your throat. You will also experience a scratchy voice, coughing, and sore throat.
Some people will develop a metallic taste after a strep throat or cancer treatment. Usually, this symptom will fade with time, and you should talk to your healthcare provider about the cause of your metallic taste.
Cancer treatment
Metallic taste in mouth is a common complaint among people undergoing cancer treatment. The taste is a result of a chemical change in the oral cavity. It usually goes away after the treatment is over, but it can be a discomfort for people who are still in the process.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage the taste buds and olfactory receptors. Cancer treatments also weaken the immune system, which makes it difficult for the body to fight infections. In addition, chemotherapy may cause the skin to react, including dryness.
Some cancer patients have metallic tastes when they cough up mucus. They can also have a metallic taste when they eat or drink. However, these changes are usually temporary.
Some drugs used to treat cancer, such as cisplatin, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide, can cause this side effect. A metallic taste in mouth can be uncomfortable and can interfere with your ability to eat and drink. If you are experiencing this symptom, you should speak with your doctor.
You can cover up a metallic taste in your mouth by rinsing your mouth with water or sugar. Alternatively, you can avoid eating or drinking certain foods. For example, you may find that raw meats and vegetables taste metallic.
During cancer treatment, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene. Your dental care provider may recommend that you have your teeth cleaned. Getting this work done before you begin treatment is a good idea.
There are many reasons why you may experience metallic taste in your mouth. This can be caused by a number of health conditions, and it is important that you consult with your healthcare provider.
It is important to continue drinking plenty of fluids, especially when you are undergoing cancer treatment. Cancer treatments can weaken the immune system, so you should take extra precautions to prevent an infection.
If you have severe symptoms, such as anaphylaxis, you should seek medical attention right away. Contact your local hospital or an emergency number to receive medical help. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
While you are undergoing cancer treatment, it is a good idea to keep up your usual good eating habits. Avoid raw meats and unpasteurized dairy products, and choose foods with a variety of flavors.