Understanding Metallic Tasting Coughs - Causes and Care

Understanding a Metallic Tasting Cough

A cough that tastes metallic can be alarming and concerning. This distinct symptom is being reported more frequently in association with COVID-19 infections from the Omicron variant. As the top COVID-19 symptoms continue to evolve, understanding causes behind a cough's strange taste provides insight into potential treatments and preventative health measures.

COVID-19 and Metallic Tasting Coughs

With COVID-19 symptoms changing through new variants like Omicron, previously less common symptoms are becoming prevalent. Sore throat was historically not a leading COVID-19 indicator - now it tops the list followed by runny nose, stuffy nose, and sneezing. Similarly, more patients are reporting coughs accompanied by a persistent metallic taste.

This strange symptom links to changes in smell and taste caused by COVID-19 infections. Though not everyone experiences smell and taste dysfunction, it remains one of the more distinctive COVID markers. A metallic cough taste demonstrates this sensing disruption in the airway and nasal passages.

Reasons for Metallic Tasting Coughs

A few key reasons explain this unusual metallic cough taste including:

• Sinus drainage
• Changes in senses of taste and smell
• Oral infections
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Medications

When the sinuses become irritated and inflamed, drainage can accumulate in the back of your throat and take on a bitter, metallic taste. This is often the culprit behind colds and seasonal allergies causing temporary metallic tasting coughs.

Viral infections like COVID-19, flu, and the common cold can also impair taste bud and olfactory function in the nose. Nerves become inflamed, blocking signals from reaching the brain. With taste sensation disruption, a cough can adopt new sensations like metal flavors.

Oral Infections Resulting in Metallic Tastes

Certain oral infections impact taste and cough sensations as well, leading to metallic coughing. Sinus infections allow bacteria to flourish, while dental issues like gingivitis cause inflamed gums that bleed easily. Blood mixing with saliva and mucus drainage can elicit metallic tastes.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause metallic tastes by triggering acid reflux from the stomach. As stomach acid travels up into the throat and airways, it carries an acidic, bitter flavor. Subsequent coughs then take on this unpleasant metallic taste.

Finally, several medications list a metallic taste side effect including antibiotics, antihistamines, blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, and dietary supplements containing iron or zinc.

When to See a Doctor About Metallic Tasting Coughs

While mostly temporary and harmless, new cough tastes warrant clinical evaluation to identify root causes. Seek prompt medical care with any concurrent serious symptoms like:

• High fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Cough producing blood-tinged mucus
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain

Ruling out dangerous illnesses causing new metallic cough tastes brings peace of mind. Doctors can check for infections, chronic conditions, and side effects. They may order imaging scans or scope procedures if suspecting inflammatory issues like pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, GERD, or cancers.

Home Care for Metallic Tasting Coughs

Home management helps ease simpler causes of metallic coughs like colds, the flu, allergies, and irritated airways. Key care tips include:

• Drinking lots of fluids to thin mucus
• Gargling with saltwater
• Using cough drops and throat lozenges
• Trying honey to coat and soothe
• Taking over-the-counter medications for pain and inflammation
• Using humidifiers to ease coughing
• Avoiding irritants like smoke, chemicals, and dust

Track symptoms over a week and make dietary changes by limiting acidic, spicy, fried, minty, or metal-flavored foods and drinks if taste dysfunction occurs. See a doctor promptly if home care does not resolve metallic tasting coughs within 10-14 days.

Preventing Metallic Tasting Coughs

Preventative care limits illnesses linked to strange cough tastes. Flu vaccines, proper hand hygiene, healthy diets, regular exercise, and stress reduction help avoid bacterial and viral infections.

People with chronic GERD can reduce flare-ups and metallic tastes by:

• Avoiding trigger foods
• Losing extra weight
• Quitting smoking
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing

Those on medications able to cause metallic cough tastes can talk to their doctor about alternative therapy options without this side effect.

The Outlook for Metallic Tasting Coughs

While unnerving, metallic cough tastes are usually temporary and clear up once an infection or irritation resolves. However, if they linger beyond two weeks or show up without obvious illnesses, seek medical guidance to identify the cause.

Though now linked more with COVID-19 and Omicron infections, metallic coughs associate with many conditions. Keeping up preventative health can dodge many cough triggers and limit necessity for extensive evaluations. But when concerning new symptoms do surface, do not ignore them - call your doctor to discover the source.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.