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Does Campylobacter Jejuni Infection Cause Metallic Taste In Mouth?
Question: Hi I've just returned from Bali bout 11 days ago . Since got back been feeling ill in stomach with runs . It's been now 8 days and they found out its campylobacter . Can this create a really bad metallic taste in mouth ? I forgot to ask doctor bout metallic taste . If this isn't due from campylobacter what could create a metallic taste . Thank u XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Yes metallic taste can be due to Campylobacter infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing to HCM.
This is Dr.Riyanka answering your query .
Campylobacter Jejuni causes intestinal infection causes diarrhoea,vomiting .It can cause a metallic taste in the mouth.
Though the infection is self limiting and is usually treated using oral rehydration therapy with fluids, some physicians also prefer giving antibiotics.
In that case metallic taste shall be present due to the use of antibiotics too.
You can use a tongue cleaner to clean your tongue regularly to avoid the metallic taste. Also taking clean home made fruit juices help to an extent to mask the metallic taste.
Hope this answers your query.
Do write back for more doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Riyanka
Yes metallic taste can be due to Campylobacter infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing to HCM.
This is Dr.Riyanka answering your query .
Campylobacter Jejuni causes intestinal infection causes diarrhoea,vomiting .It can cause a metallic taste in the mouth.
Though the infection is self limiting and is usually treated using oral rehydration therapy with fluids, some physicians also prefer giving antibiotics.
In that case metallic taste shall be present due to the use of antibiotics too.
You can use a tongue cleaner to clean your tongue regularly to avoid the metallic taste. Also taking clean home made fruit juices help to an extent to mask the metallic taste.
Hope this answers your query.
Do write back for more doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Riyanka
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank u ! Why would it give this metallic taste . Wat creates it ? Also if u had someone who had campylopbacter would u put on antibiotics after 7 days or wait 10 days . Can this get worse if left untreated cause i still cant eat and on toilet all time
Brief Answer:
Antibiotics can be tried after one week as the infection is self limiting.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back to us.
The mechanism of change in taste is due to the fact that infections caused by various bacteria and viruses usually increase the body temperature (Fever).
The enzymes in the taste buds function at its best when the body temperature is normal 37 degree celsius +/- 0.5 . Whenever there is infection, the White blood cells increase in number to combat against the disease causing organism , hence resulting in fever and the fever causes disruption of taste , giving a metallic taste to the tongue.
If i was your treating physician i would wait for 7 days before puting you on antibiotics as Camplylobacter infection is treated symptomatically(since the disease is self limiting) using oral rehydration therapy because a lot of fluid is lost in repeated toilet visitings. Also fever needs to be treated with over the counter antipyretics like acetaminophen 500mg 8 th hourly.
Antibiotics are given if the diarrhoea doesnt come down in 7 days.
Antibiotics commonly used for this is tetracyclines (provided you are not allergic to it).
Hope this answers your query.
Please do write back for more doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Riyanka
Antibiotics can be tried after one week as the infection is self limiting.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back to us.
The mechanism of change in taste is due to the fact that infections caused by various bacteria and viruses usually increase the body temperature (Fever).
The enzymes in the taste buds function at its best when the body temperature is normal 37 degree celsius +/- 0.5 . Whenever there is infection, the White blood cells increase in number to combat against the disease causing organism , hence resulting in fever and the fever causes disruption of taste , giving a metallic taste to the tongue.
If i was your treating physician i would wait for 7 days before puting you on antibiotics as Camplylobacter infection is treated symptomatically(since the disease is self limiting) using oral rehydration therapy because a lot of fluid is lost in repeated toilet visitings. Also fever needs to be treated with over the counter antipyretics like acetaminophen 500mg 8 th hourly.
Antibiotics are given if the diarrhoea doesnt come down in 7 days.
Antibiotics commonly used for this is tetracyclines (provided you are not allergic to it).
Hope this answers your query.
Please do write back for more doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Riyanka
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi will the antibiotics kill the bacteria ??? Also wat do u mean by self limiting ?
Brief Answer:
Yes antibiotics work by killing bacteria
Detailed Answer:
Hello madam,
Thank you for replying.
Yes antibiotics do work against bacteria in order to kill them but usually campylobacter are resistant to most antibiotics , hence mostly in adults erythromycin, tetracycline group or higher group of antibiotics work.
By self limiting it means that usually the disease gets cured in about 2 weeks by itself. However , if symptoms increase like severe diarrhoea and vomiting then higher medications are given to control the infection. Hence your doctor is observing for a week and shall then decide on antibiotics.
Hope this answers your query.
Regards,
Dr.Riyanka
Yes antibiotics work by killing bacteria
Detailed Answer:
Hello madam,
Thank you for replying.
Yes antibiotics do work against bacteria in order to kill them but usually campylobacter are resistant to most antibiotics , hence mostly in adults erythromycin, tetracycline group or higher group of antibiotics work.
By self limiting it means that usually the disease gets cured in about 2 weeks by itself. However , if symptoms increase like severe diarrhoea and vomiting then higher medications are given to control the infection. Hence your doctor is observing for a week and shall then decide on antibiotics.
Hope this answers your query.
Regards,
Dr.Riyanka
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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