Bitterness in the mouth, is not caused by bitter substances - a violation of taste sensations. Sustained bad taste in the mouth, bitter, metallic or putrid, called dysgeusia.

The absence or change in taste often occurs when something interferes with the normal process of flavor. The perception of taste and smell - is the result of a combination of olfactory sensory neurons and in taste receptors that tell the brain about what you are trying to substance. Taste buds are able to distinguish between sweet, salty, sour and bitter tastes. Some people are more sensitive to bitter tastes, because they can feel the bitter compound called phenylthiocarbamide that other people either do not feel or perceive only moderately. Man is born with approximately one hundred thousand taste buds, although this number is reduced with age. That's why adults generally can not tolerate more intense flavor than the children.

To the usual reasons, bitter taste in the mouth include vomiting and acid reflux, even though the state does not usually cause a constant bitter taste in the mouth. Pregnancy or taking certain medications, such as antibiotics, may also cause temporary bitter taste in the mouth. Taste can also worsen or irreversibly broken due to prolonged smoking or injuries in the mouth, nose or head.

As a bitter taste in the mouth can be a sign of infection or other disease, you need to seek help from a doctor and tell him about their symptoms. If the bitter taste does not go away, back or bothering you, tell your doctor. If the you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, immediately call an ambulance.

What other symptoms may appear with the bitterness in the mouth

Bitter taste in the mouth can occur by itself or with other symptoms, which vary depending on the calling of a disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms that may be accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth include:

• bad breath;
• bleeding gums;
• changes in facial expressions due to dysfunction of the facial nerve;
• dry mouth;
• excessive salivation;
• symptoms similar to flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, Headache , Cough, and pain);
• loss of appetite;
• poor sense of smell;
• nasal congestion;
• swollen or inflamed tonsils;
• vomiting.

Serious symptoms that might indicate life-threatening conditions

In some cases, a bitter taste in the mouth may indicate a serious or life-threatening condition in which the need to immediately seek medical care, for example, the use of poisonous plants or chemical. Immediately call an ambulance if you or someone close to you, were any of these symptoms, life-threatening:

• changes in consciousness, confusion or changes in concentration;
• shortness of breath, wheezing or shortness of breath;
• inability to swallow;
• paralysis or paresis of the facial nerve;
• muddled speech;
• sudden swelling of the mouth, lips or tongue.

What causes the appearance of bitterness in the mouth

In the process involving thousands of taste sensory neurons located in the taste buds and in the upper part of the nose (olfactory system). These neurons send a signal to the brain about what you eat and try. Bitterness in the mouth can be caused by smoking, injuries, diseases or conditions that affect the flavoring process.

The bitter taste may disappear when leaves a problem that it caused, for example, vomiting. However, some cases such as chemical poisoning, and autoimmune and neurological disorders may be more severe and lead to a prolonged disruption of taste. If you are taking medications and suspect that they may cause a bitter taste in your mouth, tell your doctor about their symptoms. Possibly, substitution of other drugs can solve the problem.

To normal and daily habits that can cause a bitter taste in the mouth include:

• mouth breathing;
• dehydration;
• dry mouth;
• pregnancy;
• smoking.

Diseases and disorders that can cause a bitter taste in the mouth

Bitterness in the mouth can occur due to certain diseases or disorders which include:

• allergies and nasal congestion;
• facial nerve paralysis;
• Gingivitis (gum disease);
• glossitis (inflammation of the tongue);
• nasal polyps;
• infection of the salivary gland;
• Sjogren's syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that causes dry mouth and eyes);
• upper respiratory tract infection such as the common cold, sinusitis, pharyngitis, flu or sore throat;
• lack of vitamin B12 or zinc;
• vomiting or regurgitation of stomach acid, which can be caused by acid reflux Reflux: the failure of the esophagus   or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Injuries that can cause a bitter taste in the mouth

Bitterness in the mouth or any other taste disturbances may occur due to these injuries and damages:

• burn or bite the tongue;
• head trauma, nose or mouth;
• damage to sensory nerves that detect taste;
• poisoning, such as poisonous plants or chemicals.

Other causes of bitterness in the mouth

Bitterness in the mouth may also occur because of the following reasons:

• dental and orthodontic appliances such as braces;
• dental surgery;
• radiotherapy of the head or neck;
• surgery on the ear, nose or throat.

Many medications can cause a bitter taste in the mouth, especially if they do not swallow fast, chew or dissolve:

• acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for treating Alzheimer's disease;
• bronchodilators for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• kartopril (hood) for high blood pressure High pressure   and congestive heart failure;
• certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin);
• Chemotherapy: vinblastine (velban), vincristine (Oncovin, vinkasar), and procarbazine (Matulay);
• grizeofulfin (grifulvin V, Gris-PEG) from fungal diseases of the skin;
• Lithium (Escala, litobid);
• penicillamine (kuprimin, depen) from rheumatoid arthritis and Wilson's disease;
• rifampin (rifadin, rifampicin) TB or for the prevention of bacterial meningitis;
• medicines for thyroid cancer.

What are the possible complications of bitterness in the mouth

Complications associated with the bitterness in the mouth, can progress and vary depending on the reasons that caused it. As a bitter taste in the mouth can be a sign of a serious disease, if not to seek the causes and not to begin treatment, this can lead to complications and irreversible change in the taste or smell. When you find out the reason, the implementation of the treatment plan prescribed by a doctor, can reduce the risk of any possible complications, such as:

• depression due to reduced ability to enjoy food;
• loss of appetite and changes in dietary habits;
• poor nutrition due to loss of appetite;
• the possibility of the use of spoiled food due to the inability to distinguish the taste;
• weight loss.

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