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Why Your Mouth Tastes Bloody: Possible Causes
Ever woken up with a bad, bloody taste in the mouth that seemed almost metallic? If that is the case, you're not alone. Many people experience this unusual, unpleasant taste in their mouth due to various reasons. While it's often harmless, it may indicate an underlying issue requiring attention. Therefore, we at OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Paresh P Naik, Skull Base, Head and Neck Surgeon, ENT Consultant, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, to understand its common causes and when one should consult a doctor.
Also Read: Dealing With A Constant Bad Taste? Here're The Possible Reasons
Common Causes Of Bloody Taste In MouthTaste buds are located in the mouth and throat, primarily on the tongue, but they are also a part of the oral cavity. Taste buds are sensory organs that help us detect the chemical makeup of food and drinks. They identify nutrients, check for anything harmful, and determine how something tastes. When taste buds are activated, they send signals to the brain through special nerves, allowing us to recognise different flavours.
Impaired taste, or a bloody, metallic taste in particular, can result from various factors, ranging from minor injuries to systemic conditions. Common causes include:
Oral injuries: Accidental biting of the tongue or cheek, or trauma from dental work, can introduce blood into your saliva.
Nasal bleeding: Blood from a nosebleed can drain into the throat, leading to a metallic taste.
Dry mouth: Reduced saliva production, often caused by dehydration or certain medications, can irritate oral tissues and increase the likelihood of a bloody taste.
Conditions That Can Lead To Bloody Or Metallic Taste In The MouthInterestingly, certain conditions can also contribute to a bloody taste in the mouth. These include:
Gum diseases: Gum diseases, like periodontitis and gingivitis, involve inflammation and bleeding of the gums, often accompanied by a metallic taste, said Dr Naik. He explained, "Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up along the gumline, harbouring bacteria that inflame the gums. This inflammation can make the gums prone to bleeding, especially during brushing or flossing. As a result, you may notice a metallic or bloody taste. Without treatment, gum disease can progress to periodontitis, leading to more severe symptoms, including loose teeth and chronic bad breath."
Systemic conditions: Systemic conditions are health conditions that affect the entire body, rather than a single organ or body part. Examples include high blood pressure, the flu, diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), heart disease, and more. Certain health issues, such as anaemia, kidney disease, or liver problems, may result in a metallic taste due to altered blood chemistry. According to StatPearls Publishing, iron supplements that are used to treat people with anaemia can also cause a metallic taste in the mouth.
Acid reflux: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the oesophagus, may also cause stomach acid and blood to mix, leading to an odd taste in the mouth.
Also Read: Metallic Taste In the Mouth: What Does It Mean?
When Should You Consult A Doctor?While an occasional bloody taste may not be worrisome, seek medical advice if you experience:
Persistent symptoms: The taste lasts for more than a week or recurs frequently.
Associated bleeding: Visible blood in saliva, even when not brushing or flossing.
Additional symptoms: fatigue, swelling, bad breath, or unexplained weight loss.
Recent medication changes: If the taste coincides with starting a new drug.
"Prompt evaluation by an ENT surgeon or physician can help identify and address underlying causes, ensuring your health and peace of mind," Dr Naik highlighted.
ConclusionWhile a bloody or metallic taste in the mouth is often harmless, it's crucial not to overlook persistent symptoms. Small changes, such as improving oral hygiene or staying hydrated, can make a big difference, but ongoing or severe cases should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying issues. By addressing such concerns early and spreading awareness, we can promote better oral health, leading to improved overall well-being.
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
Deadly Outbreak Of Marburg, Or 'bleeding Eye Virus,' Leads To Travel Advisory
Health officials continue to monitor an outbreak of Marburg virus — also known as "bleeding eye virus" — in Rwanda, which has sparked concerns about a potential spread outside the country.
The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory on Nov. 22, recommending that travelers exercise "increased caution" in Rwanda due to the outbreak.
"Travelers may be subject to additional health screenings [when] entering and exiting Rwanda," the advisory stated.
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What is Marburg virus?Similar to the Elbola virus, Marburg is a "rare but severe viral hemorrhagic fever" that is highly deadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It has a 20% to 90% fatality rate.
Similar to the Elbola virus, Marburg is a "rare but severe viral hemorrhagic fever" that is highly deadly. (iStock)
The first case in Rwanda was confirmed in September. As of Nov. 29, the country had reported 66 cases of the virus and 15 deaths. Most of the infected people have been health care workers.
Approximately 75% of the patients with Marburg have recovered, according to the CDC.
There have not been any confirmed cases in the United States, and the CDC says the risk of infection in the country is low.
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"Marburg is one of the deadliest viruses that infect humans," Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, told Fox News Digital.
"It is very similar to Ebola in that it causes hemorrhagic fever."
Symptoms of the virusInitial symptoms usually mimic the flu, including fever, body aches, diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting.
The interval between infection and symptoms is typically two to 21 days, according to Siegel.
Dr. Marc Siegel previously spoke to Fox News about the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda. (Fox News)
In severe cases, patients may experience extreme weight loss, jaundice, inflammation of the pancreas, delirium, shock, liver failure, massive hemorrhaging and multi-organ dysfunction, the CDC stated.
It can also cause bleeding from the eyes, nose, mouth or gastrointestinal tract, hence the nickname "bleeding eye virus."
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The virus is transmitted via bodily surfaces, blood and contact with contaminated surfaces, according to Siegel.
The "primary reservoir" (natural host) for the virus is the Egyptian rousette bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus), the CDC noted.
The "primary reservoir" (natural host) for the virus is the Egyptian rousette bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus). (Getty Images)
"There are no adequate drugs or vaccines for Marburg," Siegel told Fox News Digital.
Medical providers can manage symptoms with supportive care, including oxygen, pain medications and IV fluids for rehydration.
"There are other treatments in the works, including an experimental vaccine," the doctor noted.
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For those who succumb to the disease, death usually occurs within eight to nine days after symptom onset, Siegel said — typically due to blood loss.
Although the doctor said there is a risk of intercontinental spread, he does not believe it is contagious enough for a widespread outbreak.
Prevention of MarburgTo avoid contracting the virus, the CDC has issued the following recommendations on its website.
If there are no more new cases by Dec. 22, 2024, the outbreak in Rwanda will be declared over. (iStock)
For more Health articles, visit www.Foxnews.Com/health
In order for a Marburg outbreak to be officially over, there must be a period of 42 days without any new infections after the last recovered patient has had two negative tests 48 hours apart, according to the CDC.
If there are no more new cases by Dec. 22, 2024, the outbreak in Rwanda will be declared over.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.Rudy@fox.Com.
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