[josephine (OP)]

Hi Scientists!

When I hold or even look at some metal objects (that happens usually with aluminium but not exclusively) I feel a metal taste in my mouth. This is not particularly pleasent especially because the taste persists for quite a long time after the encounter with the metal object. Any idea where that comes from?

Josephine

[Karen W.]

The only Time I have ever heard this was with a patient who had just had surgery, came back days later complaining of a metalic taste in their mouth! When patient was examined there seemed to be no viable problems. The problem persisted and patient came back as it became stronger in taste. The hospital did some exrays only to find that the surgeon had left and instrument inside patients body during closure!

I have heard there can be other physical reasons, medical for that also ! You should probably have it checked to ensure everything is well! It could be nothing at all..or something.. better safe then sorry, I am no Doctor but I would at least ask!

[ROBERT]

Medications such as antibiotics, antihypertensives & antidiabetics can cause a metallic taste in the mouth.

Metallic taste in the mouth (dysgeusia)

A metallic taste in the mouth can be caused by infections of the mouth or teeth, skin conditions that affect the mucous membranes in the mouth such as lichen planus, or other problems, such as Crohn's disease.

A metallic taste also may be caused by a substance present in the mouth. Medications that are chewed, rather than swallowed, may cause a temporary metallic taste at the back of the tongue. Other medications, such as Flagyl, tetracycline, penicillamine, Biaxin, ethambutol, biguanides, or allopurinol, can cause a metallic taste because they get into the mouth through salivary secretions or directly from the blood.

If you suspect a medication is the cause of the metallic taste, call the health professional who prescribed the medication to determine whether you should stop taking it or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary. If you are taking a nonprescription medication, stop taking it. Call your health professional if you feel you need to continue the medication.

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Credits

Author  Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Editor  Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor  Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer  William M. Green, MD
- Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer  Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD
- Dentistry
Last Updated  November 17, 2004

http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/not257897


Your hypothesis that metal objects in your immediate environment are causing this metallic taste is understandable but probably incorrect. Could you let us know if you are taking any of the "anti" medications I have listed.

[josephine (OP)]

Well, I don't take any of the drugs you listed, only contraceptive pills and coricosteroid anti-asthma spray. However, I had this taste problem before I was diagnosed with asthma, so I don't think it is the reason.

I know it's maybe hard to believe but the taste manifests itself when I'm around metal objects..

[lgic]

There is a condition called synesthesia - where input from one sensory system (like vision) gets turned into a perception of another sensory system (like taste). Neurobiologists are very intrigued by synesthetes.

[iko]

Thank you Igic,
for your very interesting synesthetic contribution!

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/synmu.html

We never stop learning...

ikod

[josephine (OP)]

Somehow I don't think it has anything to do with synesthesia. It just happen to me with metal objects, so when I look at wooden ones I don't taste wood. After asking the Internet for possible reasons and eliminating all of them I came to think that it must be a particular bacterial flora living in my mouth that makes me feel this taste. Other reasons that can cause this problem (which apparently is the most common dysgeusia (taste ubnormality)) are certain drugs as mentioned by Robert, siver/mercury dental fillings, taste of blood (coming from a small lesion in the mouth) or lack of vitamin B. However, I don't have any of these..

[chris]

How quickly does the taste sensation appear after contact with a metal object, or is the effect instantaneous?

[josephine (OP)]

Welll, usually it happens immediately and goes away quite quickly. What I experience now for the first time is that the metallic taste stayed and it has been already two days so I think that the reason for that might be different.

[etownmeggy]

About 3 months ago i had my gallbladder taken out and ever since then when i smell or see barbeque sauce or ketchup i get this horrible mettalic taste in my mouth sometimes i dont even have to smell those and it just comes on and it wont go away and its the nastiest taste i have a retainer in my mouth but ive had it for 4 years and its never casued any problems can any one help thank you

[Karen W.]

Welcome etownmeggy, I hope you enjoy the forum ! you should read 5the rest of this thread if you haven't already! Someone will come along and hopefully give you some answers, but Please make sure you let your doctor know your symptoms as well, and how long they started after the surgery! Good luck!

[etownmeggy]

it started about a week after surgery i told the dr about it and he just kinda blew me off i was still having a lot of pain and they did a cat scan and there was nothing there the dr says its nothing but ever since i had the surgery Ive had problems with my liver enzymes being elevated they have done tests and everything seems normal i have had fillings but that was over 5 yrs ago and they weren't even the silver kind.. anything with tomatoes in it seems to aggravate it as soon as it hits my nose i get that taste... does anybody know what causes it or ever had it