What's Behind Tasting Metal When You Cough?

Reasons For Experiencing a Metal Taste When Coughing

Coughing up phlegm with a metallic taste can be alarming, but it's often not a serious problem. This symptom has several potential causes, and the key is identifying the underlying issue.

Common Explanations for a Metal Taste When Coughing

Here are some typical reasons for coughing up phlegm that tastes metallic:

• Respiratory infections - The high white blood cell count during infections can cause a metal taste.
• Postnasal drip - Mucus dripping from the sinuses into the throat can have a salty or metallic flavor.
• Medications - Certain prescription drugs like ACE inhibitors are known to cause dysgeusia.
• Pregnancy - Hormonal changes and nausea during pregnancy often lead to a metallic taste.
• GERD - Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus can create a bitter or metal taste.
• Dry mouth - Reduced saliva flow allows more metallic-tasting compounds to build up.
• Oral hygiene issues - Poor dental care can cause bad breath with a metal odor.

In most cases, an iron-like taste when coughing up phlegm resolves on its own when the underlying condition improves.

When To See a Doctor

See your doctor if the metal taste when coughing persists beyond a week or two. Also seek medical care if you have any of the following:

• Coughing up thick, bloody, or rust-colored phlegm
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever higher than 101°F
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Cough lasts longer than 3 weeks
• Chest pain or tightness

These symptoms can indicate a more serious condition, like pneumonia, bronchitis, or lung cancer, which requires prompt treatment.

How a Doctor Diagnoses Metal Taste When Coughing

To diagnose the cause of a metallic taste when coughing, a physician may:

• Ask about your full medical history and current symptoms.
• Conduct a physical exam, listening to your breathing.
• Order imaging tests like a chest X-ray or CT scan.
• Perform blood work to look for infection.
• Do a sputum culture to check for illness-causing bacteria.
• Arrange for a lung function test called spirometry.
• Refer you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor to inspect for postnasal drip.

Based on the results, they can identify any underlying lung conditions or illnesses responsible for the symptom.

Treatments If a Serious Issue Is Found

Treatment will depend on the cause, and may include:

• Antibiotics for a bacterial respiratory infection.
• Inhaled steroids for chronic lung disease.
• Proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux.
• Oral hygiene products for halitosis cases.
• Medication adjustment if it's a side effect.
• Nasal sprays for postnasal drip.
• Lung cancer therapies like surgery, chemo, or radiation.

Treatment focuses on resolving the underlying problem causing phlegm with a metal taste when coughing.

When a Metallic Taste Isn't Serious

In many cases, coughing up phlegm with a metal taste is not indicative of a major health issue. Here are some benign causes:

Respiratory Infections

Colds, sinus infections, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments can temporarily cause metallic-tasting mucus. This is due to the high white blood cell count responding to the infection. It's harmless and resolves with the illness.

Postnasal Drip

When mucus drips from the sinuses down the throat, it can have a salty, bitter, or metal taste. Allergies, colds, or certain medical conditions can cause postnasal drip. Treating the source or using decongestants usually helps.

Pregnancy

Metallic taste is a common early pregnancy symptom due to nausea and hormonal changes. It's especially common in the first trimester and typically goes away in the second or third.

Medications

Certain prescription drugs list metallic taste as a potential side effect. Switching medications or lowering the dosage can often resolve medication-induced cases.

Dry Mouth

A chronic dry mouth allows compounds that normally taste metallic to accumulate. Sipping water, chewing gum, and prescription saliva substitutes help wash away the metal taste.

When it's caused by one of these common issues, a metal flavor when coughing usually resolves on its own without treatment needed.

Causes of Coughing Up Thick Phlegm with Metallic Taste

Coughing up thick, dark mucus with a metallic taste can have more serious explanations, like:

Bacterial or Viral Infection

Thick phlegm is often part of the immune response during a respiratory infection. Bacteria like streptococcus pneumonia can cause heavy, rust-colored mucus.

Fungal Infection

Lung infections from fungi like aspergillosis can produce bloody, metallic-tasting phlegm during coughs. Fungal infections require antifungal medications.

Lung Abscess

A lung abscess caused by severe pneumonia involves pus collecting in the lungs. This leads to foul-smelling, metal-flavored phlegm when coughing.

Bronchiectasis

This condition causes abnormal stretching of the bronchial tubes, resulting in buildup of thick, sticky mucus. The mucus often has a metallic odor.

Seeing a doctor promptly is wise if your coughed up phlegm has an unusual color or thickness and metallic taste.

When To Seek Emergency Care for Coughing Up Blood-Tinged Phlegm

Coughing up thick, bloody mucus with a metal taste requires emergency medical care. Potential causes include:

Pulmonary Embolism

A blood clot in the lungs causes symptoms like chest pain, bloody coughing, and shortness of breath. It's a medical emergency.

Lung Cancer

One of the early signs of lung cancer can be coughing up blood-streaked mucus with a rusty or metal taste. Quick evaluation is critical.

Tuberculosis

Active, contagious TB infection can lead to coughing up copious bloody phlegm. Seeking immediate care helps prevent transmission and allows prompt treatment.

Pneumonia

Certain forms of pneumonia cause phlegm tinged with blood and having a metal odor. Pneumonia must be treated right away to prevent complications.

Don't hesitate to go to the ER or call 911 if you cough up blood-tinged mucus, as timely treatment improves outcomes.

When Metallic Taste and Coughing May Indicate Cancer

In rare cases, an unexplained metallic taste and cough can be a sign of lung cancer. Specific symptoms that warrant urgent medical evaluation include:

• Coughing up thick, rust-colored phlegm
• Ongoing shortness of breath and wheezing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe fatigue and weakness
• Cough that persists longer than a month
• Chest pain that worsens with coughing or breathing
• Hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing

Lung cancer requires fast diagnosis and treatment for the best prognosis. See your doctor right away if your metallic cough persists or you notice other concerning symptoms.

When To See A Doctor for Metallic Taste When Coughing

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience a persistent metallic taste when coughing. Seek prompt medical care if you have:

• Rust-colored or blood-tinged phlegm
• Unexplained weight loss
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Fever over 101°F
• Lasting dry cough or chest pain

A metallic cough lasting over 2 weeks warrants medical evaluation. Your doctor can determine if a serious illness is behind your symptoms.

Managing Metallic Taste When Coughing at Home

While waiting for your doctor's appointment for a metallic cough, you can try:

• Sipping cold water
• Sucking on mint or citrus candies
• Saltwater gargles
• Using cough drops
• Taking over-the-counter cough medicine
• Getting extra rest

However, see your physician if home remedies don't help within several days. Persistent metallic taste when coughing should be evaluated.

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.