Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Bitter Taste In Mouth Caused By Acid Reflux
Question: I have a bad taste in my mouth after eating. It is a bitter taste??
Any idea what this could be?
Any idea what this could be?
Brief Answer:
Most likely acid reflux.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
A bitter or sour taste in the mouth is often from acid coming up from the stomach.
I can provide more specific information if I know a bit more:
How long has this bad taste been going on?
Does it occur every time you eat, regardless of what you are eating or the quantity?
Do you have any heartburn or abdominal pain or other signs of indigestion?
Most likely acid reflux.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
A bitter or sour taste in the mouth is often from acid coming up from the stomach.
I can provide more specific information if I know a bit more:
How long has this bad taste been going on?
Does it occur every time you eat, regardless of what you are eating or the quantity?
Do you have any heartburn or abdominal pain or other signs of indigestion?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
It has only been happening since last night and it's when I eat something regardless of quantity or type of food.
Brief Answer:
May be temporary reflux.
Detailed Answer:
If it just started last night there is a good chance it may have been from some food or drink or vitamin or medication that irritated your stomach and set this off.
While there are quite a few different causes for strange tastes in the mouth, including infection and certain meds, the fact that yours correlates with eating makes me think strongly that it is related to reflux of acid. I'd suggest getting over the counter Zantac (ranitidine) 150 mg and take it twice a day for the next few days to see if this will relieve the problem. If it is helping, continue it for 2 weeks. Zantac is an H2 receptor blocker and is quite safe. It will lower the overall amount of acid you are producing.
For the next week, also avoid peppermint (increases chance of reflux), and limit caffeine, chocolate, alcohol and acidy foods such as citrus and tomatoes if possible. Eat smaller amounts more frequently rather than large meals as dissension of the stomach not only produces more acid, but the pressure increases the chance of acid going up the esophagus.
There are many people who can taste the acid without having other gastric or esophageal symptoms (such as heartburn).
I hope this information helps.
May be temporary reflux.
Detailed Answer:
If it just started last night there is a good chance it may have been from some food or drink or vitamin or medication that irritated your stomach and set this off.
While there are quite a few different causes for strange tastes in the mouth, including infection and certain meds, the fact that yours correlates with eating makes me think strongly that it is related to reflux of acid. I'd suggest getting over the counter Zantac (ranitidine) 150 mg and take it twice a day for the next few days to see if this will relieve the problem. If it is helping, continue it for 2 weeks. Zantac is an H2 receptor blocker and is quite safe. It will lower the overall amount of acid you are producing.
For the next week, also avoid peppermint (increases chance of reflux), and limit caffeine, chocolate, alcohol and acidy foods such as citrus and tomatoes if possible. Eat smaller amounts more frequently rather than large meals as dissension of the stomach not only produces more acid, but the pressure increases the chance of acid going up the esophagus.
There are many people who can taste the acid without having other gastric or esophageal symptoms (such as heartburn).
I hope this information helps.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
