Main reasons
A bitter taste occurs when bitter-tasting substances enter the mouth or when the functioning of the taste buds changes. The most common causes are related to the stomach and oral cavity.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease - sour or bitter taste, heartburn
- Duodenogastric reflux - reflux of bile into the stomach
- Gum disease, caries, plaque on the tongue
- Dry mouth, mouth breathing during sleep
- Medicines: antibiotics, antifungals, iron supplements, etc.
- Smoking and alcohol
- Taste disturbance after ARVI and COVID-19
- Gallstones, liver diseases
Bitterness in the morning and after meals
Morning bitterness often appears in people who have a late and heavy dinner: at night, in a horizontal position, the contents of the stomach are more easily thrown into the esophagus. In the morning it is aggravated by dry mouth and a coating on the tongue. Bitterness after fatty foods, accompanied by heaviness on the right side, may indicate problems with the gallbladder. Bitterness after any meal along with heartburn is more characteristic of reflux.
- In the morning - late dinner, reflux, dry mouth, oral hygiene
- After fatty foods - gallbladder
- Constantly - medications, gum disease, taste disturbances
- During pregnancy - hormonal changes and reflux
Associated symptoms
Isolated bitterness without other complaints is more often associated with the oral cavity, diet, or medications. If there is heartburn, belching, abdominal pain, heaviness on the right side, change in the color of urine and feces, you need to examine the digestive organs.
- Heartburn, belching, cough at night - reflux
- Heaviness on the right, nausea - bile ducts
- Bleeding gums, unpleasant odor - dental reasons
- Jaundice - diseases of the liver and bile ducts
Diagnostics
The doctor clarifies when bitterness appears, what medications are taken, and whether there is heartburn or pain. The dentist evaluates the condition of the gums and teeth. If necessary, the gastroenterologist prescribes gastroscopy to evaluate the esophagus and stomach, ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder, and blood tests. If no organic cause is found, taste disturbances and drug effects are considered.
- Oral examination by a dentist
- Gastroscopy
- Ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder
- Biochemical blood test: bilirubin, ALT, AST
- Blood glucose, according to indications - TSH
Treatment and recommendations
Treatment is directed to the cause. For reflux, acid-reducing drugs are prescribed and dietary changes are recommended. For gum diseases - professional hygiene and treatment by a dentist. If the bitterness is related to the medicine, your doctor can choose a replacement. Choleretic agents and “liver cleansing” are not recommended without examination: they are dangerous for gallstones.
- Have dinner no later than 3 hours before bedtime
- Do not overeat, limit fatty, spicy, coffee and alcohol
- Clean your tongue and teeth, use dental floss
- Drink enough water
- Stop smoking
- Raise the head of the bed for nighttime heartburn