Sweet Taste in Mouth: Causes and Solutions

Oh, that sweet taste in your mouth is maddening, isn't it? Well, there are medical conditions that can cause you to experience a sweet taste in your mouth -- which has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with what you have been eating or drinking.

I consulted with Jordan S. Josephson, MD, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in NY, author of Sinus Relief Nowand Director of the New York Nasal and Sinus Center. Though I myself have never had an unexplained sweet taste in my mouth, I decided to get to the bottom of this problem, because a surprising number of people suffer from a seemingly unexplained sweet taste in their mouth.

Dr. Josephson explains, "Sweet taste in the mouth can be caused by various medical problems. For instance, various metabolic problems can cause a sweet taste in your mouth; for example, diabetes can cause this. Overall this symptom is poorly understood. We know that diabetes can give a patient a sensation of sweet taste in the mouth."

What other medical conditions can cause this problem? "Neurologic problems such as a stroke, seizure disorder or epilepsy can cause this problem. The patient may not even be aware that they are having a seizure, epilepsy or a stroke because this may be the only symptom. Furthermore, virus that attack the olfactory (sense of smell) nerve or nerve that sends the signals of taste can lead to this sweet taste."

It doesn't stop there; Dr. Josephson continues: "On the other hand, infection in the sinuses, nose and/or throat, especially with the bacteria pseudomonas, can give you a sweet taste or smell." This type of bacteria can cause sinus and other ear nose and throat infections especially in people with compromised immune systems including diabetes aids and other immune system dysfunctions. This bacteria often causes urinary tract infections and pneumonia. Though this bacterium can cause the sweet taste in your mouth, infections by pseudomonas can be life-threatening. But don't panic. Normal people can get infected with pseudomonas and do fine.

Dr. Josephson adds that the sweet taste in your mouth can be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause heartburn, indigestion, belching burping and hoarseness to mention a few symptoms.

Dr. Josephson advises that if you are experiencing an unexplained sweet taste in your mouth, you should make an appointment to see your physician, and be prepared to give your doctor a complete medical history; and expect your doctor to give you a physical examination as well as some tests. "Together this should provide your physician with the information to determine the exact cause of the sweet taste and thus lead them to the treatment solution that is appropriate for you."

The bottom line, says Dr. Josephson, is if the sweet taste has a come-and-go nature, it's most likely a harmless issue. On the other hand, if the problem persists and gets worse, and doesn't seem to go away, make an appointment with a board certified otolaryngologist as well as neurologist who understand disorders of smell and taste.

Source: http://emedicine.medscape.com