Why Do I Suddenly Have a Bitter Taste in My Mouth? What Should I Do?
The sudden occurrence of bitter taste in the mouth may be caused by external wind-cold, irregular diet, damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, heart fire, diabetes, or oral inflammation. If the bitter taste is only felt for a short period of time, it may naturally disappear and generally does not require treatment. However, if the bitter taste persists for a longer time, even accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension, fever, weight loss, and significant fatigue, it is necessary to visit the hospital to check for other diseases and undergo targeted treatment based on the cause.
The pathogenic factors of external wind-cold can transform into heat and enter the Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, often causing symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth. As stated in "Treatise on Febrile Diseases", "The diseases of Shaoyang Meridian are characterized by bitter taste in the mouth, dryness in the throat, blurred vision, irritation, and a tendency to vomit."
Irregular eating habits and vigorous exercise after eating can also cause bitter taste in the mouth. This is due to the prolonged retention of food in the gastrointestinal tract without proper digestion, which can easily lead to damp-heat and subsequently cause bitter taste. Additionally, symptoms such as yellow and greasy tongue coating, abdominal distension and pain, and dark yellow urine may also be present.
Bitter taste caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder can be attributed to stagnant heat in the Gallbladder Meridian or the transfer of liver heat to the Gallbladder, resulting in the upward reversal of Gallbladder Qi. This is often due to inflammation in the liver and gallbladder, especially in patients with gallbladder inflammation or gallstones. Impaired gallbladder function and abnormal bile excretion can lead to a bitter taste in the mouth. In addition to bitter taste, people with liver and gallbladder disorders may also experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, red face and eyes, irritability, dry and hard stool, and a reddish tongue.
Bitter taste caused by heart fire is often due to anxiety, irritation, or frequent staying up late, which can lead to indigestion and impaired bile excretion. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as flushing, headache, red eyes, and dark yellow urine. It is worth noting that mental bitter taste is also relatively common. People who are under excessive pressure from work or studies and often experience anger, irritation, anxiety, fear, unease, and insomnia may also experience bitter taste in the mouth.
Some chronic patients, such as those with diabetes and certain types of cancer, often experience a bitter taste in their mouths, and they should be vigilant. People with irregular lifestyles and insufficient sleep often have a bitter taste in the morning. Severe snoring and sleeping with the mouth open can also easily cause a bitter taste. Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption can also lead to a bitter taste. People with oral inflammation may experience bitter taste due to local diseases such as gingivitis.
If the bitter taste is only felt for a short period of time, there is no need for excessive concern as it may naturally disappear. However, if the bitter taste persists for a longer time and is accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension, fever, weight loss, and significant fatigue, it is necessary to visit the stomatology, gastroenterology, and hepatobiliary departments to check for diseases such as gallbladder inflammation, gallstones, or digestive and other systemic disorders. If there are no obvious internal organ diseases, common colds and functional disorders that cause bitter taste can be treated with traditional Chinese medicine prescribed by a doctor.
