The 3 tastes that could indicate a health issue & when it could be deadly
WE all get nasty tastes in our mouth from time to time.
And in most cases, an odd flavour is nothing to worry about.
But according to some experts, there are three specific tastes you should be on the look-out for.
1. Sweet like candy…
Your breath and the way your mouth tastes can reveal how your body is metabolising food.
If you have diabetes, a sweet-smelling breath could indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening illness if left untreated.
The NHS describes the “fruity” breath as smelling or tasting like pear drop sweets, or nail varnish.
This is when the body enters ketosis, a state also achieved with the low-carb keto diet.
When there isn’t enough glucose in the body to burn for energy, the body uses fat instead.
This produces ketones, a symptom of which is breath that smells like sweets.
DKA affects roughly four per cent of individuals with type 1 diabetes in thee UK each year, according to the UK National Diabetes Audit.
But it can also occur in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Other indicators of DKA, which can occur within 24 hours of the body running low on glucose, include increased thirst and a dry tongue, urination on a regular basis, being sick and tummy pain.
2. Copper coins
Lots of conditions can leave your mouth tasting like cooper coins, or blood – including dangerous infections .
West Yorkshire based NHS GP, Dr Sophie Newton, said: “Upper respiratory tract infections, such as tonsillitis, can leave an awful taste in your mouth.”
“This is because upper respiratory infections are often paired with lots of coughing,” she told The Sun.
Repeatedly coughing up phlegm often brings small amounts of blood into the mouth and onto the taste buds, leading to a distinct metallic taste.
To get rid of the blood-like taste, try treating the cough with cough medicine or decongestants.
A common infection will often run its course in a few days or weeks.
But if you develop a fever above 39.4°C, have breathing trouble or cough up visible blood you should go to the doctor or hospital immediately.
3. Salt
A salty taste can be a sign of dehydration, as your body may be trying to conserve water by producing less saliva.
And in some cases, a dry mouth can a sign of serious illness, according to Dr Azad Eyrumlu from dental firm Banning Dental Group.
Dr Eyrumlu said: “A dry mouth can be a sign something’s not right elsewhere.
“This can manifest itself with symptoms such as a sticky feeling in the mouth, a dry or sore throat, difficulty chewing or swallowing or even bad breath.
“Certain health conditions such as a stroke, diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease can show themselves in this way, while these symptoms can also be an indicator of an autoimmune disorder such as HIV or Sjogren’s syndrome,” he added.
He said it was important to speak to GP if your dry mouth won’t go away.