Bitter Taste in Mouth - Symptoms

What other symptoms might occur with a bitter taste in the mouth?

A bitter taste in the mouth may occur by itself or with other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms that may accompany a bitter taste include:

Bad breath
Bleeding gums
Change in facial movements due to facial nerve dysfunction
Dry mouth
Excessive salivation
Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, cough, aches and pains)
Loss of appetite
Poor sense of smell
Stuffy nose
Swollen or inflamed tonsils
Vomiting

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, a bitter taste can indicate a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting, such as ingestion of a toxic plant or chemical. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms:

Change in consciousness, change in alertness, or confusion
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
Inability to swallow
Paralysis or drooping of the face
Slurred speech
Sudden swelling of the mouth, lips or tongue

INTRODUCTION

What is a bitter taste in the mouth?

A bitter taste in the mouth that is not from a bitter substance is a distorted sense of taste. A persistent bad taste in the mouth, whether bitter, metallic or foul, is called dysgeusia.... Read more about bitter taste in mouth introduction

CAUSES

What causes a bitter taste in the mouth?

The taste process involves thousands of sensory neurons embedded in your taste buds and in the uppermost part of your nose (olfactory system). These neurons signal what you are eating and tasting to your brain. A bitter taste in the mouth can be caused by smoking, injuries, diseases or conditions that interfere with the taste process.... Read more about bitter taste in mouth causes