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What Causes Bitter Taste In The Mouth While Having Acid Reflux?

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Posted on Tue, 8 Nov 2016
Question: I have had a bitter sour taste in my mouth for 3 weeks now, im not taking medications or have reflux right now. What could this be? Im concerned. Could this be a symptom of ALS? What do you recommend?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Not ALS

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Let me reassure you right away that there is no relation to ALS at all, not a symptom of it. ALS is also called motor neuron disease, meaning that it affects motor nervous system sparing the neurons responsible for sensation modalities like taste. So no need to be worried about ALS at all. Not a common symptom of any neurological condition for that matter.

What could it be apart from reflux....problems with oral cavity are the most common cause such as gingivitis, periodontitis or tooth infections. Maintaining good oral hygiene is naturally essential.

Airway infection is another possible cause such as sinusitis.

Metabolic issues such as diabetes, liver and kidney disease may lead to changes in taste. Usually have other symptoms as well, but still some routine blood tests should be done if the issue persists.

Exposure to chemical elements like lead or mercury are also a rare cause.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (3 minutes later)
Thank you! What specialist or test do you feel i need to resolve this problem or figure out this problem?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
Regarding specialists, speaking of likelihood, since the most likely cause is a local one, it would be an ENT doctor or dentist to check the oral and nasal cavity for infections.

I would say though that the first step would be to see the primary doctor (family doctor). This way he can screen for other signs you might have not noticed and then address you to the appropriate specialist. He can also prescribe some routine blood test (blood count, glucose, liver and kidney function, electrolytes) beforehand. The specialist may ask for those tests so having them already available would avoid scheduling other unnecessary appointments.

Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3672 Questions

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What Causes Bitter Taste In The Mouth While Having Acid Reflux?

Brief Answer: Not ALS Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Let me reassure you right away that there is no relation to ALS at all, not a symptom of it. ALS is also called motor neuron disease, meaning that it affects motor nervous system sparing the neurons responsible for sensation modalities like taste. So no need to be worried about ALS at all. Not a common symptom of any neurological condition for that matter. What could it be apart from reflux....problems with oral cavity are the most common cause such as gingivitis, periodontitis or tooth infections. Maintaining good oral hygiene is naturally essential. Airway infection is another possible cause such as sinusitis. Metabolic issues such as diabetes, liver and kidney disease may lead to changes in taste. Usually have other symptoms as well, but still some routine blood tests should be done if the issue persists. Exposure to chemical elements like lead or mercury are also a rare cause. I remain at your disposal for other questions.