Have you noticed a strange bitter taste in your mouth lately? You’re not alone.
Many people have reported changes in taste as a symptom of COVID-19.
This odd sensation is known as dysgeusia.
Dysgeusia can make food and drinks taste different than normal.
Some describe it as metallic or bitter. COVID-19 can cause taste changes by affecting taste buds or the nerves that send taste signals to the brain.
A sudden bitter taste is usually temporary.
It often goes away as other COVID symptoms improve.
Trying different foods, chewing gum, or using mouthwash may help mask the bitter taste.
If it doesn’t get better, talking to a doctor is a good idea.
Understanding Dysgeusia
Dysgeusia is a taste disorder that can occur with COVID-19.
It changes how things taste and often causes a bitter or metallic flavor in the mouth.
Let’s explore what dysgeusia is, why it happens with COVID-19, and how it’s different from other taste problems.
What Is Dysgeusia?
Dysgeusia is when things taste different than they should.
Food and drinks might taste bitter, sour, or metallic.
Some people say everything tastes like medicine.
This problem can make eating less enjoyable.
It may also cause people to eat less or lose weight.
Dysgeusia can affect anyone, but it’s more common in older adults and pregnant women.
Taste buds and taste receptors in the tongue play a big role in how we taste things.
When these don’t work right, dysgeusia can happen.
Causes of Dysgeusia in COVID-19
COVID-19 can cause dysgeusia in a few ways:
- The virus might damage taste buds directly.
- It could affect nerves that send taste signals to the brain.
- Inflammation from fighting the virus might change how taste works.
Up to 43% of COVID-19 patients have reported dry mouth, which can also change how things taste.
The virus seems to attack cells in the mouth, leading to these taste changes.
Some COVID-19 treatments, like Paxlovid, can also cause a bitter or metallic taste as a side effect.
This usually goes away after stopping the medicine.
Dysgeusia Vs. Other Taste Disorders
Dysgeusia is different from other taste problems:
- Ageusia: Complete loss of taste
- Hypogeusia: Reduced ability to taste
- Parageusia: Tasting something that isn’t there
With COVID-19, people might have any of these issues. Some patients experience taste problems with all types of flavors – sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
Dysgeusia often comes with a bad taste in the mouth, while ageusia means no taste at all.
Hypogeusia makes tastes weaker, but they’re still correct.
Parageusia can make things taste completely wrong, like tasting garlic when eating an apple.
COVID-19 and Its Effects on Taste
COVID-19 can change how things taste.
Some people lose their sense of taste completely.
Others find food tastes strange or unpleasant.
These changes can last for weeks or months.
The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Taste
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can affect taste in different ways.
Many people lose their sense of taste during infection.
Food may seem bland or have no flavor at all.
Some folks experience dysgeusia.
This means things taste weird or bad.
Food might taste bitter, sour, or metallic.
The virus can harm taste buds directly.
It might also damage nerves that send taste signals to the brain.
In some cases, COVID-19 affects saliva production.
This can make it harder to taste food properly.
Long COVID and Taste Impairment
For most people, taste problems go away after they recover from COVID-19.
But some have long-lasting taste issues.
This is part of a condition called long COVID.
Long COVID can cause taste changes that last for months.
Food might taste different than before.
Some people find their favorite foods no longer appeal to them.
Scientists are still studying why taste problems persist in long COVID.
They think it might be due to ongoing inflammation or nerve damage.
Some patients slowly get better over time.
Others may need help from doctors to manage their symptoms.
Medications and Bitter Taste in Mouth
Some drugs can change how things taste.
This can make food and drinks taste bitter or strange.
Let’s look at which meds do this and how to deal with it.
Common Medications That Can Cause Bitter Taste
Many drugs can make your mouth taste weird.
Antibiotics like tetracycline often leave a metal taste.
Blood pressure meds and some cancer drugs can do this too.
Chemotherapy can damage taste buds.
This makes food taste bad for a while.
Zinc supplements might cause a bitter taste for some people.
Some people get a bad taste from vitamins.
Iron pills are known for this.
Stopping the med usually fixes the taste problem.
But always talk to a doctor first.
Paxlovid and the ‘Paxlovid Mouth’ Phenomenon
Paxlovid is a COVID-19 treatment that can cause a weird taste.
People call this “Paxlovid mouth.” It makes things taste bitter or like metal.
Paxlovid has two drugs: nirmatrelvir and ritonavir.
Ritonavir is likely the cause of the bad taste.
About 6% of people who take Paxlovid get this side effect.
The taste usually goes away after stopping the med.
It doesn’t mean the drug isn’t working.
The bad taste is just annoying, not harmful.
Managing Medication-Related Taste Changes
There are ways to deal with med-related taste changes:
- Brush teeth and tongue often
- Use sugar-free gum or mints
- Try cold foods – they may taste better
- Use plastic utensils if food tastes like metal
- Add spices or marinades to food
Talking to a doctor is important.
They might be able to change the dose or switch meds.
Don’t stop taking meds without asking first.
For Paxlovid mouth, try sour foods or drinks.
Lemon water or tart candies can help mask the taste.
Clinical Trials and Research
Scientists are working hard to understand how COVID-19 affects our sense of taste.
They’re doing studies and tests to figure out why some people get a bitter taste in their mouth.
Let’s look at what they’ve found so far.
Emerging Research on Taste and COVID-19
COVID-19 can infect and grow in taste bud cells.
This might be why people’s taste changes.
Researchers are looking at how the virus attacks these cells.
Some studies focus on why taste problems last a long time for some people.
They’re trying to find out if it’s because of damage to taste buds or nerves.
Scientists are also studying why different people have different taste symptoms.
Some get a bitter taste, while others can’t taste at all.
Insights From Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are testing new ways to help people who lost their sense of taste due to COVID-19.
Some trials are looking at:
- Medications to help taste buds heal faster
- Special diets that might bring taste back sooner
- Smell training, which might also help with taste
One promising area is using certain drugs that might fix taste problems.
These include:
- Phosphodiesterase inhibitors
- Insulin
- Corticosteroids
Doctors are excited about these drugs because they might help a lot of people get their taste back to normal.
Infection and Taste Disturbance
Infections can mess with our sense of taste in weird ways.
This can happen with different bugs, but it’s been a big deal with COVID-19.
How Infections Can Alter Taste
Germs can affect how things taste by messing with our taste buds or nerves.
Some infections make food taste weird or like nothing at all.
This happens because the tiny parts of our tongue that sense flavors get damaged.
Sometimes, infections in our nose or throat can change how we taste things too.
Our senses of smell and taste work together, so when one is off, the other can be too.
Certain viruses can even get into our brain and mess with how it processes taste signals.
This can make familiar foods taste strange or bad.
Taste Disturbance in Viral Infections
Viruses like the flu or common cold can make food taste bland for a bit.
But COVID-19 has been extra tricky with taste.
Many people with COVID say things taste metallic, bitter, or just wrong.
Some folks lose their sense of taste completely with COVID.
Others find only certain flavors are off. Salt taste often stays okay, while sweet, sour, bitter, and umami get hit harder.
For most people, taste comes back after they get better.
But for some, taste problems can stick around for months.
Scientists think this might be because the virus hangs out in the tongue longer than we thought.
Nutritional Factors and Taste Changes
Certain nutrients play a key role in our taste and smell.
Some diets and supplements may help people recover their sense of taste after COVID-19.
The Role of Zinc in Taste and Smell
Zinc is crucial for our taste and smell.
It helps form taste buds and keeps them working well.
Zinc also helps nerve signals travel from taste buds to the brain.
People with low zinc levels may have a hard time tasting food.
This can make food seem bland or bitter. COVID-19 may cause zinc levels to drop, which could lead to taste changes.
Zinc is found in foods like:
- Oysters
- Beef
- Pumpkin seeds
- Lentils
Eating these foods might help improve taste.
Some doctors suggest zinc supplements for people with taste problems after COVID-19.
But it’s best to talk to a doctor before taking any new supplements.
Diets and Supplements for Taste Recovery
A healthy diet can support taste bud health and may speed up taste recovery.
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables provides vitamins and minerals that help taste buds work well.
Some people find that taking vitamin A, D, and E supplements helps their taste come back.
Omega-3 fatty acids might also help.
These can be found in fish oil supplements or in foods like:
- Salmon
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
Drinking plenty of water is important too.
It helps keep the mouth moist, which is needed for tasting food properly.
Some people try smell training to help their taste come back.
This involves smelling strong scents like lemon or mint every day.
While not a diet change, it may help taste and smell recover faster.
Risk Factors for Taste Changes
Some people are more likely to have taste changes from COVID-19.
Health issues and habits can play a big role.
Age and genes might also affect someone’s chances.
High-Risk Conditions for Taste Changes
People with certain health problems have a higher chance of getting taste changes from COVID-19.
Diabetes can make taste changes more likely.
This is because diabetes can harm nerves, including those that help with taste.
HIV also puts people at higher risk.
The virus can weaken the immune system, making it easier for COVID-19 to cause taste problems.
Older adults may face a bigger risk too.
As people age, their sense of taste can get weaker.
This makes them more open to taste changes from illnesses like COVID-19.
Other Contributing Factors
Smoking is a big risk for taste changes.
It can hurt taste buds and make it harder to taste things normally.
Smokers who get COVID-19 might have more taste issues than non-smokers.
Diet can play a role too.
Not eating enough zinc or vitamin B12 might make taste changes more likely.
These nutrients help keep taste buds healthy.
Stress and lack of sleep can also affect taste.
They can make the body less able to fight off viruses like COVID-19.
This might lead to more taste problems.
Prevention and Management
Taking steps to prevent taste disorders and manage bitter taste can help reduce discomfort.
Good habits and simple remedies often make a big difference.
Preventing Taste Disorders
Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to avoid COVID-19 and its taste-related symptoms.
Vaccines lower the risk of infection and severe illness.
Washing hands often and wearing masks in crowded places also helps stop the spread of the virus.
These simple actions can protect your sense of taste.
Good oral hygiene is key too.
Brush teeth twice daily and floss regularly.
This keeps the mouth clean and may help prevent taste changes.
Staying hydrated is important.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Well-moistened taste buds work better.
Management Strategies for Bitter Taste
If a bitter taste develops, try rinsing your mouth with salt water.
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
Swish and spit.
This can help clear the taste.
Chewing sugar-free gum or mints might mask the bitter flavor.
Look for ones with strong minty or fruity tastes.
Drinking more fluids can help too.
Water, herbal teas, and clear broths can wash away bad tastes.
Eating cold or room temperature foods may be better than hot ones.
Heat can make bitter tastes stronger.
Using plastic utensils instead of metal ones might help.
Some people find metal makes the taste worse.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
A sudden bitter taste in the mouth during COVID-19 can be concerning.
Knowing when to seek medical help is important for proper care and treatment.
Signs That Warrant Medical Attention
Watch for these symptoms along with a bitter taste:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or trouble staying awake
- Bluish lips or face
These could mean the infection is getting worse.
Don’t wait to get help if you notice them.
Taste changes often come with other COVID-19 symptoms.
If you have a fever, cough, or loss of smell too, call your doctor.
Seeking Professional Advice
It’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider if:
- The bitter taste lasts more than a few days
- You can’t eat or drink because of the taste
- You’re losing weight without trying
- You have other health issues that make COVID-19 riskier
Your doctor or a PharmD can give advice on managing symptoms.
They might suggest treatments or tests to check your clinical course.
Don’t be afraid to reach out.
Healthcare providers are there to help and can ease your worries about taste changes during COVID-19.
Recovery and Support
Getting better from taste changes after COVID can take time.
Help from others makes a big difference.
Family and friends play a key role in recovery.
The Recovery Process
Most people get their sense of taste back within a few weeks.
For some, it can take months.
Up to 60% of people who had COVID in 2021 lost some ability to taste.
The good news is that many do get better.
Patience is important.
The body needs time to heal.
People should:
• Eat a healthy diet
• Stay hydrated
• Get enough rest
• Try smell training
Seeing a doctor can help.
They might suggest treatments or tests.
Some find that zinc supplements help, but more research is needed.
Supporting Someone with Taste Changes
Friends and family can offer big support.
Here are ways to help:
- Be understanding – taste changes can be frustrating
- Cook foods with strong flavors or textures
- Encourage trying new foods
- Help with meal planning and shopping
- Go to doctor visits together
Taste problems can lead to sadness.
Emotional support matters a lot.
Listening and being there makes a difference.
Support groups can also help people feel less alone.
Patience is key.
Recovery takes time.
With care and support, many people do get their taste back.