If you have a cough that leaves a metallic taste in your mouth, it’s important to find out what’s causing it. This may be from an infection or an underlying health condition.
Some medications can also cause this side effect. If the taste is affecting your day-to-day life or making it difficult to eat and drink, see your doctor.
Causes
Often, a metallic taste when you cough is a side effect of some medications or an underlying health condition. The taste usually goes away after the medication is stopped or an underlying health condition has been treated.
Medications like antibiotics and antihistamines, vitamin supplements, and blood pressure medications all can cause this taste, according to Medical News Today. Lisa Lewis, MD, a pediatrician in Fort Worth, Texas, says that when the body absorbs and metabolizes these substances, they are excreted as saliva, which can cause a metallic taste in your mouth.
Certain respiratory infections, such as a cold, can also cause a metallic taste in your mouth when you cough. Viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, typically resolve on their own without treatment, but bacterial infections (like strep throat) may require antibiotics.
Some COVID-19 vaccines can also cause a metallic taste in the mouth, which is called a “Paxlovid mouth.” This is a known side effect of some COVID-19 vaccinations for a small number of people, and it should go away on its own once you have completed the course of treatment.
This can be very unpleasant, so it is recommended that you seek professional help if it persists. A metallic taste can be a sign of a serious health issue, so you should always contact your doctor if you have any concerns.
Food allergies are another potential cause of a metallic taste in the mouth, especially if you are allergic to shellfish or tree nuts. This can be a life-threatening allergy, so if it occurs in conjunction with other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling or itchy skin, it is important to get emergency medical attention.
Cancer treatments can also cause a metallic taste in your lips and mouth, as well as in foods you eat. Some chemotherapy drugs, for example, can cause a metallic or rancid taste in your teeth and gums.
Pregnancy hormones can also make your mouth taste metallic or salty, but this is a normal side effect of pregnancy and should fade with time.
Other causes of a metallic taste in the mouth include sinus infections and gum disease. These can be treatable with some lifestyle changes and olfactory training, which involves sniffing scents such as lemons and cloves for 20 seconds twice a day for 3 months.
Treatment
There are a few different treatments available for a metallic taste when you cough. The treatment that is right for you depends on the cause.
Acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic cough and postnasal drip can all cause a metallic taste when you cough. These conditions are common and usually go away on their own once the underlying problem is addressed, says a doctor at Mayo Clinic.
Another possible reason for a metallic taste when you cough is a respiratory infection such as pneumonia. This can cause irritation to the throat and mouth that causes small amounts of blood to dribble into your mouth, making it taste like metal.
Other infections such as bronchitis, asthma or a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also make your cough taste sour and metallic. Often, these conditions can be treated with over-the-counter medications and other home remedies.
You can also take antacids and other pain relievers to help reduce symptoms and prevent them from worsening. You can also try eating softer foods and drinking more fluids to ease a cough that’s causing a metallic taste in your mouth.
Finally, you can avoid certain chemicals in your environment such as mercury. This can be found in old building materials, contaminated water and seafood.
It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what’s causing the metallic taste when you cough, so it’s important to visit your doctor for an evaluation. They can check your sputum for bacteria and rule out other serious health issues.
The good news is that a metallic taste when you cough should clear up within a few days of treatment. This condition can sometimes be helped by avoiding fatty foods, rich foods, smoking and alcohol.
Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter antihistamines and antacids to help relieve your symptoms. If the symptoms persist, they can refer you to an ENT specialist for further testing or medications.
Medications such as antibiotics, antihistamines, over-the-counter supplements and blood pressure medication are known to cause a metallic taste in your mouth. Talk to your doctor about replacing these medicines or taking them less frequently.
Prevention
A metallic taste when you cough can be a sign of an underlying medical problem or a side effect of medication. It’s important to see a doctor if the metallic taste persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever and fatigue.
Your doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of your metallic taste when i cough by performing a physical exam and asking you questions about your symptoms. They may also order a series of tests to assess the underlying issue.
The most common cause of a metallic taste when i cough is an upper respiratory infection. This is usually caused by a cold or a flu, but it can also be a symptom of chronic sinus problems or nasal polyps.
If you have a cold or other upper respiratory infection, it’s important to stay hydrated so that your body can flush out any phlegm. This helps to clear your nasal passages and reduce the likelihood of a cough that can lead to a metallic taste when i cough.
It’s also recommended to avoid drinking from metal water bottles or cutlery. This is because the metal can damage the taste buds and make them more sensitive to acids in the food or drink you’re drinking.
Medications like antibiotics, vaccines, and cancer treatments can also cause a metallic taste in the mouth. Your doctor will check your blood levels for any nutritional deficiencies or other issues that could be contributing to the metallic taste.
You should also talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your appetite or eating habits. Eating smaller meals can help keep you nourished, especially if you’re struggling to eat due to the metallic taste.
Your doctor might recommend taking a zinc supplement to improve the taste in your mouth. You can also try rinsing your mouth with a mixture of baking soda and water before you eat to neutralize the pH in your tongue.
Gum disease or tooth decay can also cause a metallic taste when i cough, so it’s important to take care of your oral health by brushing and flossing regularly. Using mouthwash as needed will also prevent bad breath and gum disease.
Diagnosis
If you are coughing up large amounts of phlegm or mucus, this can lead to a metallic taste in your mouth. This can happen during or after a respiratory infection like the common cold or strep throat.
If your doctor has diagnosed your cough as being caused by a respiratory infection, they can prescribe a decongestant or antihistamine to reduce the amount of phlegm you are coughing up. They may also suggest a cough suppressant like dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin) to help ease your coughing.
A doctor will look at your medical history, perform a physical exam, and ask you about your symptoms before making a diagnosis. They will then recommend a blood test if they suspect a nutritional deficiency or another underlying cause.
Certain medications or vaccines can also have the side effect of a metallic taste in your mouth. A doctor can change the medication or stop using it if they are concerned it is causing this symptom.
It is important to remember that this is a temporary side effect of the treatment or medication you are taking. Once your treatment is finished, the metallic taste should go away on its own.
People with cancer or certain other serious conditions often experience changes in their sense of taste. This is known as dysgeusia. It can be a temporary problem, or it may last longer than expected.
Some pregnant women may also have a metallic taste in their mouth due to hormones that affect their taste buds. This is most common in the first trimester, but it can go away on its own once the baby is born.
Medications such as antibiotics and lithium can also cause a metallic taste in your mouth. A good quality oral rinse such as MetaQil can be used to get rid of this symptom.
A medical professional can also refer you to a dentist for further treatment. A dental specialist can assess the condition of your teeth and gums to find out if they are the cause of the metallic taste in your mouth.
If your doctor has found the cause of the metallic taste when you cough, they will prescribe a treatment to get rid of it. It is usually simple to treat, but it will depend on the cause of your metallic taste when you cough.