What Causes a Sour or Bitter Taste in the Mouth?

Sourness and bitterness in the mouth may be caused by eating sour or bitter foods, which can be relieved by rinsing the mouth. Long-term sourness and bitterness in the mouth are often caused by biliary diseases, gastritis, and other issues. Temporarily, avoid using medication blindly. You can start by rinsing your mouth. If the symptoms do not improve, it is recommended to promptly visit the gastroenterology department of the hospital for a detailed examination to identify the underlying cause and target treatment.

Sourness in the mouth is mainly caused by gastric juice reflux, and gastric acid can cause symptoms of acid reflux. In this case, further treatment is needed for gastritis. Bitterness may also be due to oral infections and poor digestive function, and special attention should be paid to identifying whether it is caused by bile reflux.

Gastroscopy and hepatobiliary ultrasonography can be performed first to assess whether there are hepatobiliary diseases or corresponding gastric diseases, and appropriate treatment can be given accordingly.

At this time, dietary regulation should be carried out to reduce the intake of high-fat, high-cholesterol, greasy, fried, spicy, and stimulating foods. Special attention should be paid to quitting smoking and alcohol, and reducing factors such as staying up late. Staying up late can worsen one's physical condition, leading to more severe symptoms of sourness and bitterness in the mouth. Therefore, patients should try to reduce staying up late.