Anyone else with Altered Taste All Day Long?

Yes, with diabetes it would be unusual not to have neuropathy but who knows!!!! My husband mentioned trying acupuncture and if things don't improve I think I might!!! I would like to first see a neurologist just for a consult but I'm trying to find that name of a good neurologist in my area. Yes, your theory about the mouth guard could be correct!!!

Ref. Implant. Before I got the implant, I got the bitter taste and that scared me off. Because the strong taste first appeared as metallic, I was afraid to put anything foreign in my mouth permanently. So, I’m waiting. You can’t tell it’s missing, but I do want it fixed. Glad I got the graft though.

I don’t think I have dry mouth because I’ve been tested. When at the dentist, they use the suction a lot as I am making a lot of saliva.

Ref. Sinus infection. I had CT scan ordered by ENT. Deviated septum, but otherwise normal. I was told by several doctors and ENT that’s not abnormal. So…..I forgot to mention that one big complaint that I’ve had since covid and to ENT was congestion, nasal drainage, nose pouring water intermittently most days, phlegm, hoarse, voice sounded terrible, etc. I had it until pretty recently. NOW, it’s almost completely gone! The only thing I’ve done differently it use saline nasal spray several times per day. It’s bizarre! I’m grateful!

ENT referred me to allergist for testing and I was allergic to no substances tested! Shocked me! Not even mold! I am grateful! (Am allergic to insect stings and 1 antibiotic.)

Please post what you find out from your respective doctors. I’m not opposed to acupuncture. It’s helped me before. It’s just expensive snd no insurance coverage for it. Sigh.

Yes I did have an MRI specifically on my sinuses, but when I went back to the ENT she said she didn't think that was it and to go to an oral surgeon (dentistry). So, that is why I made the appointment for the oral surgeon. But, my dentist is so smart and he showed me on two different MRI's where my sinuses on the left side were full. And those are the teeth driving me crazy and causing this horrible taste in my mouth. I just do not know.

Im going to try the saline!!! Thank you so much.

I can understand that You don't want anything foreign in your mouth right now. I'm so afraid of everything right now. Glad for you at least that you don't have an issue with saliva. I don't really feel that my mouth is dry like it used to be so when I finish with the saliva medication I'm not going to renew it. One less medication to take.
Yes, a deviated septum is very common. I had surgery to correct mine several years ago because it was severe and but now I have a tiny hole in my septum, maybe from the surgery. The ENT said it is not related at all to my taste issue so I hope he's right. I'm so glad that all of your nasal issues are finally getting better. I read many times that those type of nasal conditions can cause a taste disorder so did your ENT think they were related to your taste issues? It makes sense that your taste problems are getting better at the same time that your nasal issues are improving so maybe they were related??
I had allergy testing too but that was before all these taste problems. It showed some allergies to dust, some grasses and trees so I'm on a couple of allergy sprays but again the ENT said the sprays are not causing the problems and I have been on them since way before my taste issues. I had a severe reaction to a bee sting many years ago and had allergy shots against bee stings for a couple of years but that was maybe ten years ago. What insect are you allergic to?
You are right about the acupuncture being expensive so right now I'm not jumping into it!!! Yes, sigh!!!! I'll keep you informed!!!

That is interesting that your MRI showed full sinuses on the left side but your ENT didn't think that it was causing the issue! I'm glad you are going to the oral surgeon and you'll get another opinion and also find out what is going in with those teeth. It's crazy how many doctors we need to see to figure out what is going on!!! I'm not even sure who to see next!!

My ENT just felt the covid virus attacked my olfactory nerve. He admits not much is known about it. It’s not considered a life changing condition apparently. It should! He was hopeful things would resolve, but not very optimistic. No real recommendations. It was my Primary who suggested scent retraining. I did that for months and it’s the only thing I can think of that might have helped my sense of smell return.

My neurologist thought my B12 deficiency might have caused it. Some B12 damage is reversible, some is not.

I believe that doctors don’t pursue the cause of the taste disorder since there is no known treatment. So even if we know why we have it…..there is nothing we can do about it. My first neurologist just looked at me and said….taste issue….that’s very difficult. Like…no hope.

I’ll also share this. I’ve posted it once before somewhere on this site. Long story, but….. The doctors don’t seem to think it’s relevant, but I’m not so sure. And, does it really matter? I can’t shake it.
Before my bad taste hit….several weeks previous….i used an antifungal shampoo. My dermatologist had diagnosed me with tinea versicolor on my neck. White spots. I had treated it with prescribed cream and it disappeared in 2 days. But, I wanted to treat my scalp, just in case, so she called in the body wash/shampoo. As I applied it to my scalp, I got this terrible taste in my mouth….almost like the shampoo….but it wasn’t in my mouth. I thought that was odd. I rinsed it out. Then it went away. The next week I used it in the shower on my body and same thing happened. Odd. Fast forward to a couple of weeks later. I applied it to a spot on my ankle, rinsed it off. Then within the hour went to urgent care for a suspected uti. They prescribed an antibiotic and I took it quickly within the hour. As I was driving in my car the overwhelming metallic taste hit my entire mouth. It was so terrible, I pulled over and called the doctor for instructions because it was intolerable. They said that bad taste with antibiotic was not uncommon. Keep taking it, it would go away. My good friend agreed. Said it had happened to her before. So, I took another one later that night. Taste continued to be horrible. Doctor called me the next day and said stop taking it. No UTI on culture. But, the metallic taste continued. Later turned bitter. Now more of a salty taste. So, that’s my story. How does it fit? Was it coincidental with the covid? And does it even matter since there’s no way to treat it? I have no idea.

I sure hope we all can get relief.

You certainly have quite a history since Covid. I heard that some big university hospitals had to open a special center for those who lost their sense of smell and taste after having Covid. They probably do the same smell retraining that you already had. I'm glad it helped you. It does seem like that shampoo and body wash had something to do too with your health issues plus that antibiotic. Whenever I do any research on taste issues one of the main reasons for it is certain medication, and several antibiotics are listed. I have stopped so many medications that I have been on, just to make sure, but with me that did not help. I have been off of them for months and it was worth trying. Now I'll go back on only the one I really need. They always list the metallic taste when they talk about reactions to medications though, never a salty or sour taste!! Also, once in a while, all of a sudden I have an overwhelming bizarre bitter taste that creeps into my mouth for absolutely no reason at all, usually late in the evening but it passes quickly and I have no idea why but it is scary since I'm always afraid it is not going to go away even though I am wearing my retainer.... Such a baffling disorder. Yes, after going to my dentist, primacy doctor, ENT and rheumatologist and getting no answer I don't think they know how to treat it all all and with my no one knows what is causing it!! So frustrating!!

I wanted to add that I too have had the salty taste. It's just unbelievable!! No one seems to be able to figure it out.

I’ll also add that I was in talk therapy for over a year. I discussed my health issues with him. I asked him about whether my taste issue could be functional. I’m not opposed to that theory. My therapist wasn’t inclined to think it is, since my doctors haven’t diagnosed me with that.

And, I still have some issues, but mostly I feel great physically! My knee is holding well. My ankle is much better. My sleep has improved! My congestion is better. My bad taste is better! I have a lot of energy and feel strong physically. So grateful.