Bitter taste in the mouth

Everyone at least sometimes felt a bitter taste in his mouth. Usually this symptom is associated with the transfer of bile from the gallbladder into the oral cavity due to various pathological conditions of the biliary tract and gastrointestinal tract. Often such a bitter aftertaste appears in the morning, due to reflux of bile into the stomach, while the person is asleep (this is more likely if you prefer to sleep on the left side of the trunk, and ate the fat food during the dinner).

[1], [2]

Causes of the bitter taste in the mouth

The cause of a bitter taste in the mouth can be a variety of diseases, so do not leave this symptom without attention.

Often, this problem occurs as a result of violations in the work of organs that participate in the synthesis and secretion of bile. Among such disorders - cholelithiasis, which results in the formation of stones, which violates the normal outflow of bile, chronic cholecystitis, (inflammation of the gallbladder), as well as dyskinesia - a violation of the motor biliary ducts.

In addition, a bitter taste sometimes becomes a consequence of diseases of the digestive system - such as chronic pancreatitis or chronic gastritis.

As a result of liver diseases, the composition of saliva can change, which also leads to the appearance of bitter taste in the mouth.

The cause of the occurrence of bitterness in the oral cavity can become diseases that affect the mouth itself - such as, for example, inflammation of the tongue or stomatitis. In addition, a similar reaction can occur on dentures for teeth - in a situation where they were incorrectly selected (without taking into account the individual sensitivity to the material from which they are made).

In some cases, the bitter aftertaste is the result of other causes, appearing in acute poisoning, toxicosis in pregnant women, benign or malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract.

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Risk factors

There are risk factors that can cause a bitter taste:

• Injuries or diseases of the oral cavity. These can be as diseases of the throat area (laryngitis, angina or pharyngitis), and various ulcers or tumors in the mouth. Another provocateur may be gingival inflammation;
• Injuries or diseases of the ears and nose. Since the mouth is directly connected to these organs, any inflammatory processes that have arisen in them can spread to it. Among the diseases are rhinitis, otitis, etc .;
• Changes that occurred in the internal environment of the mouth, as a result of which quality has changed, as well as the amount of saliva released. This is due to the use of certain drugs, dental diseases, wearing unsuitable dentures, liver and kidney diseases, as well as endocrine disorders;
• A massive and dense plaque in the tongue, which prevents the language receptors from functioning correctly. This can occur due to dehydration, as well as gastritis or stomatitis;
• Disturbances in the work of nerve endings, resulting in the brain is not transmitted the necessary information. Such disruptions are often the result of neuritis of facial nerves or multiple sclerosis, as well as brain injuries, etc .;
• Atrophy of linguistic taste receptors, which can occur as a result of endocrinopathy (for example, diabetes mellitus), the natural process (aging), bad habits (alcohol, drugs, cigarettes);
• Different stresses.

[4], [5], [6], [7]

Symptoms of the bitter taste in the mouth

Bitterness in the mouth can result from eating fried, fatty foods and alcohol, antiallergic medicines and antibiotics, and when smoking. If you began to feel a bitter taste in your mouth, you should consult a gastroenterologist or a therapist. One of the most common factors in the development of this pathological symptom are disorders in the functioning of the gallbladder and bile ducts, as well as the liver.

The bitter taste in the mouth is often a consequence of intestinal or gastric pathology (enteritis, duodenitis, intestinal dysbacteriosis, and colitis). But sometimes it can arise because of a dental and gum disease.

A bitter sweet taste in your mouth

Bitter sweet taste in the mouth often indicates the development of diabetes, so when you see this symptom, you should consult an endocrinologist.

The development of diabetes can also be indicated by other symptoms, including:

• Constant thirst, frequent urination, polyuria;
• A constant feeling of hunger. In this case, a person can have both weight loss and obesity;
• Feeling of general weakness;
• Problems with vision (the appearance of "shroud" in the eyes);
• Problems with the circulation of the legs - tingling, numbness of the limbs.

It should be noted that sometimes diabetes proceeds without all these symptoms, manifesting itself only as a sweet taste in the mouth.

Among other causes of a bitter-sweet sensation in the oral cavity:

• Stressful state, depression;
• Eating sweet foods in large quantities;
• Diseases of the digestive tract;
• May occur immediately after smoking cessation;
• Poisoning by any substances, for example, phosgene or pesticides;
• Diseases of the teeth, as well as gums.

[8], [9]

Bitter taste in the mouth after eating

The bitter aftertaste does not in all cases indicate a disease, it usually appears as a result of the constant use of products of questionable quality, or because of "heavy" food and simple overeating. Bitterness can also arise from stale food, because it causes intoxication.

The taste is sometimes negatively affected by drugs. As a result of prolonged intake of antihistamines or antibiotics, a bitter aftertaste in the mouth after eating can occur within 4-7 days after its completion. Quite often, such a reaction is caused by such products as sea buckthorn oil and pine nuts.

Bitter taste in the mouth in the morning

Usually, the cause of the appearance of bitterness are abnormalities in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, but there are also other factors that may contribute to the onset of such a symptom.

Often, its appearance is due to frequent coughs (reminiscent of asthmatic), diabetes or obesity, certain connective tissue diseases (such as scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus).

But much more often bitter taste in the mouth in the morning occurs due to liver disease or bile ducts. If there is also a constant heartburn, pain in the stomach and a feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium, one should immediately seek professional advice from the gastroenterologist.

Another cause of bitterness in the morning is candidiasis, which can develop in the mouth due to weakening of the immune system or during antibiotic therapy. In the mouth, dryness is often observed. To treat candidiasis is necessary with the help of antifungal agents, and also drink plenty of fluids and consume sour-milk products with additives in the form of active bacteria.

A similar sign is sometimes manifested in those who suffer from ENT diseases - infectious involvement of the paranasal sinuses and the nose itself, as well as allergic rhinitis and chronic tonsillitis.

Bitter taste in the mouth during pregnancy

The appearance of a bitter taste in the mouth during pregnancy is usually a consequence of the fact that a woman has a hormonal background. For the necessary relaxation of uterine muscles, the body increases the production of progesterone, and this hormone also performs the function of relaxing the valve, which separates the stomach and esophagus. When the valve is in a relaxed state, gastro-cholic reflux develops. As a result, bitterness occurs in the mouth. This symptom also arises from the violation of intestinal motility, since progesterone helps slow the digestive process.

Bitterness can also appear late in pregnancy, as a natural growth of a baby in the womb occurs, mechanical pressure on the stomach occurs, gastroesophageal reflux develops.

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Complications and consequences

The main complications are development:

• Cholangitis.
• Pancreatitis.
• Cancer of the pancreas.
• Diabetes mellitus.

[12], [13],

Diagnostics of the bitter taste in the mouth

To diagnose the bitter taste in the mouth, you should go to a therapist or a gastroenterologist. To self-treatment it is impossible to resort in any way, therefore as the given symptom can be display of the most different illnesses or infringements. In some cases, you have to contact an endocrinologist, dentist or neurologist, because a bitter taste in your mouth can occur not only because of abnormalities in the digestive tract and liver.

[14], [15]

Analyzes

To correctly diagnose the disease, sometimes you need to pass the tests. Among them - a common blood test, and with it urine and feces; as well as a biochemical blood test for hepatic transaminases and bilirubin.

[16], [17], [18], [19], [20]

Instrumental diagnostics

When determining the alleged gastrointestinal disease, instrumental diagnostics can be performed-a gastroscopy procedure is performed. In her process, a gastric mucosal examination is performed using a probe equipped with a special optical device. Gastroscopy allows not only to detect the presence of inflammation, but also to take samples of affected tissues for additional examination.

Also, during the diagnosis, an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs can sometimes be prescribed.

Differential diagnosis

In differential diagnosis, it was found that most often a bitter taste in the mouth disturbs patients with GI tract diseases - such as disorders in the functioning of the gallbladder (bile duct disease, cholecystitis).

Bitterness in the oral cavity can arise as a result of inflammatory processes or infections - a tumor, cholelithiasis, etc. The cause of the disorder can also be problems with intestinal motility.

Treatment of the bitter taste in the mouth

If you find yourself in such a symptom, you should consult a doctor (gastroenterologist, therapist, or neurologist). Treatment of bitter taste in the mouth depends on what is the reason for its appearance - this requires a diagnosis. Only then is the direction of therapy determined.

In the case of problems with the functioning of the digestive tract, doctors usually prescribe medications that help restore the digestive organs. Among such drugs are vikalin and Almagel, de-nol and smecta, as well as motoricum, a variety of cholagogue and dietary supplements. In addition, herbal choleretic preparations are used.

If the symptom is due to overstrain or stress, sedatives can be used. If a bitter taste in the mouth occurs during pregnancy, such medications are the most effective. Eliminate stress motherwort, valerian, and hawthorn.

If bitterness arose due to dental problems, it is necessary to drink more natural juices, which contain a lot of vitamin C - this will increase the amount of saliva released and clean the oral cavity of harmful microorganisms. Together with this, a comprehensive examination at the dentist is required.

Medications

Drugs that relieve bitterness in the mouth, eliminate the cause of its appearance, so they are appointed depending on what violations are observed in the body. The medication should be administered only under the supervision of the attending physician, who also makes up an individual treatment regimen for each patient.

Among drugs that eliminate bitter taste in the mouth, such drugs:

Essentiale Forte, contributing to the restoration of liver function. It is usually prescribed for cirrhosis of the liver or hepatitis, as well as psoriasis. Dosage is 1-2 capsules together with food. The treatment course is quite long - at least 3 months.

Sodium thiosulfate, the dosage of which depends on the complexity of the disease - can be prescribed 1-20 capsules per day (drink should be on an empty stomach). If the bitter aftertaste is the only sign, 1 capsule will suffice. The drug has no contraindications.

Gepabene, appointed in case of inflammation of the bile duct or liver. The medicine has a cholagogic effect. Take it should be 1 capsule 3 rubles / day. And before bedtime to eliminate pain. Maximum of a day can take no more than 6 capsules. The course of therapy consists of 3 months.

Allochol is a medicine made from medicinal herbs. Has choleretic effect, therefore it is prescribed in case of presence of diseases of the bile ducts, with problems with the work of the intestine, cholelithiasis or cholecystitis. Dosage is usually three meals a day or two capsules during the meal or immediately after it is finished.

Lobil - a preparation of animal origin, which has a strong choleretic effect. It is used for liver diseases, impaired pancreas, and cholecystitis. The dose is 1-3 tablets. 3 rubles / day. After meal. The treatment course lasts 2 months.

Holosas is a medicine used to treat cholecystitis. The drug also has a choleretic effect. The drug is taken before meals. For adults, the dose is 1 tsp. 2 rubles / day, for children - 1 pp. / Day. The same dosage.

Vitamins

Bitterness in the mouth can appear due to a deficiency in the body of vitamin B12. To make up for the balance of this vitamin substance, you should eat foods that contain it. Basically, these are products of animal origin. In general, vitamin B12 is found in: beef liver, trout and oysters, cheese, cottage cheese, butter sardines and rabbit meat, as well as cod, marine perch, milk and eggs, kefir and butter.

Alternative treatment

In cases where a bitter taste in the mouth appears due to the use of poor-quality products, it will be sufficient to take any absorbent. This can be activated carbon in the calculation of 1 table / 1 kg of body weight. A good option will also be rinsing the mouth with a decoction of calendula or chamomile, as they have a disinfecting effect.

If bitterness in the oral cavity arose unexpectedly, you can use alternative agents that will quickly get rid of this taste. For this, the fruits of kiwi fruit, which, among other things, contain the necessary vitamin C organism.

Bitterness in the mouth effectively removes a cocktail made of milk and horseradish. To make it, you need to rub the horseradish root through a grater and mix with milk in the proportion of 1 to 10. This mixture must be heated on low heat, then insist for about 15 minutes. Then the tincture is filtered. Take it you need 1 tbsp. Lies. 5-6 rubles / day.

A good recipe is also a jelly from flax seeds. It should be used 2 r. / Day. On 200-250 ml. In addition to eliminating the bitter aftertaste, this remedy also improves the digestion process.

[21], [22], [23]

Herbal Treatment

During the treatment, you can use decoctions of herbs, which are used for rinsing the oral cavity.

Collection, which includes 2 parts of hyssop, medicinal melissa, as well as thyme, 1 part of rue and oregano, and 3 parts of peppermint - all this must be finely chopped. Then take 2 items. This mixture and pour them 2 stacks. Boiling water, then insist under a napkin or lid for 2 hours. Then tincture is filtered. Gargle with her help you need every time a bitter taste appears in the mouth.

Collection, consisting of 2 parts of sage, fennel and rosemary seeds, 3 parts of dill and thyme, as well as 1 part of tarragon, which are finely chopped. Further 2 items of. The mixture is poured into a thermos and poured 1 liter of boiling water. The resulting broth is infused for 1 hour and filtered. Rinse your mouth with a bitter taste in your mouth, and also in the morning.

Decoction of marigold - you need to take 10 g of flowers of this plant and pour them 1 stack. Boiling water. Infuse the mixture for about 45 minutes, then drain. Take before meals - a few sips of tincture.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies can be used to treat bitterness in the mouth. For example, Berberis.

This medicine is taken 10 drops at a time, adding them to 5-15 ml of water. Before you swallow the mixture, you need to hold it in your mouth for a few seconds. Reception three meals a day before meals for 15-20 minutes. (or 1 hour after eating). If the case is acute, a single dose can be consumed every 15 minutes, but this procedure can be performed no longer than 2 consecutive hours.

Among the contraindications - pregnancy (due to the fact that this drug enhances uterine contractions). Also Berberis can not be taken to those who have increased sensitivity to the elements of the drug. There are no side effects.

Operative treatment

Quite often, the cause of bitter taste in the mouth is cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. This disease in some cases is treated with the help of surgical intervention.

This operation is called cholecystectomy, and in her process the gallbladder is removed. Now this procedure can be done in 2 ways:

• classical laparotomy method, in which the anterior abdominal wall is opened, after which the gallbladder is removed together with the stones contained in it;
• laparoscopic method, when the operation is carried out through small (0.5-1.5 cm) punctures made in the wall of the abdominal cavity. During the procedure, video equipment is used, with the help of which the surgeon is able to observe the operation on the screen and perform the necessary actions.

Nowadays the laparoscopic method is more popular. This is explained by the fact that after this procedure the wounds heal faster (therefore, the incisions in comparison with the scars after the usual operation are very small), and there are no visible scars.

Prevention

In order to prevent the occurrence of a bitter taste in the mouth, first of all, you need to change your daily diet. The use of food, which contributes to the increased production of bile, must be reduced to a minimum or even eliminated.

Also, one should abandon bad habits, because they have a negative effect on both the bile ducts and the heart, blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract, skin, etc.

Thus, the best prevention of the appearance of a bitter taste in your mouth will be a proper diet, a healthy lifestyle, and a refusal to smoke and alcohol.

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Forecast

The bitter taste in the mouth is usually cured and has in most cases a favorable prognosis. Timely contact with a doctor will make elimination of this symptom fast.

It should be understood that the appearance of bitter aftertaste is usually a signal about the appearance of some disease. Therefore, it is necessary to fight the problem carefully and correctly - by applying for help to the gastroenterologist. This approach will avoid possible complications and negative consequences.

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