Bitterness in the mouth

Bitterness in the mouth may indicate problems with the digestive system. Severe or persistent bitterness in the mouth is a reason to consult a doctor.

From time to time you may experience an unpleasant bitter taste in your mouth. As a rule, this is due to a sudden release of bile into the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, some bile may enter the esophagus and cause a bitter sensation in the mouth.

. Often a bitter taste in the mouth is felt in the morning, since bile can enter the stomach during sleep (especially if you sleep on your left side and dinner included fatty foods).

Bile is a secretion produced by the liver and is necessary for digesting food. The bile duct carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder, which acts as a storage reservoir. During the active digestive phase, bile from the gallbladder enters the duodenum. Some substances have choleretic properties, that is, they increase the production of bile. Eating foods with choleretic properties (for example, pine nuts) can provoke a sharp increase in the flow of bile into the intestines and, as a result, the appearance of bitterness in the mouth. Some medications have the same effect - both medical preparations and traditional medicine (St. John's wort, sea buckthorn oil, etc.).

However, bitterness in the mouth should not be ignored

. Its appearance indicates that not everything is in order with the digestive system. For example, a bitter taste may appear after eating fatty (heavy) foods. Fatty foods stimulate bile secretion. Normally, the secreted bile should not enter the stomach and esophagus, but should be released exactly as much as is necessary for the digestive process in the intestines. The appearance of bitterness indicates that this is not the case. And we need to figure out what caused this. If bitterness in the mouth occurs frequently or persists for a long time, then it is better not to delay a visit to the doctor.

Causes of bitterness in the mouth

Bitterness in the mouth can be a symptom of various diseases.

Most often it is caused by diseases of the organs responsible for the production and movement of bile in the body, such as chronic cholecystitis

(inflammation of the gallbladder),
cholelithiasis
(in this case, the formation of stones interferes with the proper outflow of bile),
biliary dyskinesia
(impaired motility). Sometimes patients who previously had a bitter taste in the mouth due to cholelithiasis or inflammation of the gallbladder, and who had a cholecystectomy (surgery to remove the gallbladder), are surprised by the return of the symptom. But a bitter taste in the mouth can occur even in the absence of a gallbladder, because bile is still produced and can enter the stomach, and from it into the esophagus. If a person has had their gallbladder removed but has not changed their eating habits, the return of digestive problems and a bitter taste in the mouth is very likely

Bitterness in the mouth can occur with various disorders of the digestive system, for example with chronic gastritis

or
chronic pancreatitis
Liver diseases can lead to changes in the composition of saliva, which may also result in a bitter taste in the mouth.

Another group of reasons for the feeling of bitterness in the mouth is diseases of the oral cavity (stomatitis, inflammation of the tongue). A bitter taste can also be a reaction to dentures if they were chosen incorrectly (the individual intolerance of the material from which they are made was not taken into account).

Sometimes bitterness in the mouth is caused by other reasons: toxicosis (in pregnant women), acute poisoning, cancer.

Causes of bitterness in the mouth and nausea, associated symptoms

Nausea and bitterness in the mouth are common signs of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary tract. In case of serious deviations, the body “signals” that it is time to see a doctor. If vomiting, diarrhea, belching, general weakness, flatulence, dizziness, and elevated body temperature are added to the symptoms of an unpleasant taste and nausea, you should consult a physician or gastroenterologist.

The most common causes of nausea and bitterness in the mouth:

stomach or duodenal ulcer;
gastritis, gastroduodenitis;
biliary dyskinesia;
disturbances in intestinal function;
poisoning of the body;
hormonal disbalance;
severe stress;
diseases of the oral cavity – stomatitis, pharyngitis;
the presence of parasites in the body.

Gastrointestinal diseases

A feeling of heaviness in the stomach and nausea in the morning can be the cause of overeating. Avoid fatty, spicy, salty and fried foods for a while, giving preference to vegetables, fruits and buckwheat porridge. Try not to eat in the evening after 19.00.

Nausea and heartburn are common signs of pregnancy. If a delay in the menstrual cycle is added to the unpleasant symptoms, it makes sense to contact a gynecologist and donate blood for hCG.

Bitterness in the mouth, accompanied by nausea or vomiting, is a sign of stagnation in the gallbladder. If the organ malfunctions, bile is released into the esophagus, causing discomfort. If a child or adult is vomiting bile, this is a sign of gastrointestinal dysfunction. The causes may be liver pathologies, diseases of the stomach and duodenum, colitis, pancreatitis, impaired intestinal motility, gastroduodenitis, and inflammation of the gallbladder. In this case, only a gastroenterologist can determine the cause and prescribe proper treatment.

Poisoning of the body

Alcohol poisoning is often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. In this case, drinking plenty of fluids and abstaining from eating during the day will come to the rescue. No additional treatment is required.

Nausea and bitter taste in the mouth can be caused by heavy metal poisoning. Mercury, lead, arsenic and cadmium are harmful substances that, when entering the body, quickly spread through the bloodstream, affecting tissues and organs. If you suspect heavy metal poisoning, consult a doctor immediately.

Poisoning of the body can be caused by uncontrolled use of medications. What to do if you have a bitter taste in your mouth after taking antibiotics and other medications? Immediately stop self-medication and seek help from a doctor.

Endocrine disorders

Hormonal imbalance can cause constant bitterness in the mouth. With excessive production of the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine, a spasm of the muscles of the biliary tract occurs - bile is released into the esophagus, causing heartburn and bitterness. Hyper- or hypofunction of the thyroid gland provokes similar symptoms. In this case, the patient is prescribed a hormonal examination.

Oral diseases

Lack of oral hygiene can cause inflammation of the gums and mucous membranes. As a result, wounds and ulcers may appear on the surface of the tongue, tonsils, cheeks and gums, which emit an unpleasant odor and cause a bitter taste. In this case, bitterness in the mouth may be accompanied by a change in taste sensations. It is necessary to maintain good hygiene and brush your teeth twice a day to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Other reasons

Parasites in the body - Giardia, Ascaris, Trichinella and Toxocara - provoke disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract and, as a result, cause nausea, bitterness in the mouth and stool disorders. Parasites are transmitted to humans through dirty hands, unwashed vegetables and fruits, unboiled water and through contact with infected animals.

Short-term attacks of nausea and a bitter taste in the mouth can occur after severe stress. In this case, a walk in the fresh air, good sleep and engaging in your favorite hobby will help normalize the functioning of the nervous system.

Additional symptoms of bitterness in the mouth

Bitterness in the mouth may be accompanied by additional symptoms. If heaviness or pain is felt in the right side, this may indicate liver or gallbladder disease. If bitterness in the mouth is accompanied by nausea, heartburn, and belching, then the cause may be stomach diseases. If the cause is diseases of the oral cavity, then the feeling of bitterness may be accompanied by bad breath.

Common Causes

Bitterness in the mouth often occurs in patients over 40 years of age, especially in the morning. If the condition remains constant, the patient should seek advice from the local clinic. Sources of unpleasant sensations are presented:

Low quality food – poor preparation, burnt marks affect the aftertaste. It lasts for about half an hour and decreases after drinking water. The taste may be caused by stale nuts or seeds due to the breakdown of the fatty acids they contain.
With age – over the years, changes occur in the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, and the ability to distinguish taste is impaired. In this case, any food becomes bitter - due to a reduced amount of saliva and the active proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.
Nicotine addiction - combustion products settle on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. If a secondary metallic taste occurs, the patient should urgently seek medical help.
Pregnancy - hormonal imbalances change the process of bile movement. The first quarter of gestation can cause discomfort due to persistent toxicosis and regular vomiting. The deviation that appears at the end indicates the development of cholestasis, accompanied by itching, darkening of urine and lightening of stool.
Functional dyspepsia - slow digestion of food and weakened intestinal motility, provokes bitterness in the mouth immediately after eating. The pathology is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, increased formation of gases.
Hepatitis - liver damage of various etiologies is characterized by the same symptoms. Along with the bitter taste, discomfort occurs in the area of the right hypochondrium, and attacks of vomiting mixed with bile.
Diseases of the biliary organs - uncontrolled secretion production leads to an aftertaste after fatty and fried foods, alcoholic drinks. Along with these symptoms, the pathology is accompanied by dull pain and frequent bowel movements. Complex forms of the disease lead to changes in the color of the stool to whitish and constant itching.
Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract - the chronic course of gastroduodenitis is accompanied by bitterness in case of violations of the recommended dietary table or against the background of stable nervous tension.
Diseases of the pancreas - the main symptom is added to the aroma of rotten breath. Exacerbation of the pathology leads to vomiting with food debris and bile. The patient's tongue becomes covered with a grayish or yellowish coating.
Dental problems – ulcers on the oral mucosa, stomatitis and caries cause discomfort. Sometimes the source of the problem is the installation of cheap fillings, which are destroyed under the influence of salivary secretions, or prosthetics.

Bitterness in the mouth can be caused by taking certain medications. In rare cases, the pathological condition is accompanied by neurological problems that provoke a change in taste perception.

Which doctor treats bitterness in the mouth?

First of all, bitterness in the mouth is considered as a symptom of gastroenterological disorders, so when the first signs appear, you need to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

To make an appointment with a doctor, choose any method:

call the clinic +7 (495) 103-99-55,
order a call back,
leave a request for an appointment using a convenient form on the website:

Often people do not pay attention to bitterness in the mouth, explaining the occurrence of the symptom with overeating, an uncomfortable position in bed and some other reasons.

IMPORTANT! Rarely does anyone think that bitterness in the mouth is a signal indicating the development of serious pathology of the liver and gastrointestinal tract.

If you have been experiencing this symptom for a long time, do not engage in self-diagnosis and self-medication - make an appointment with a specialist at the Kuntsevo Treatment and Rehabilitation Center! An experienced gastroenterologist will collect anamnesis, complaints, conduct an objective examination, and refer you for laboratory and instrumental diagnostics to understand the cause of the pathology.

Diagnostic stages

Consultation with a specialist - a gastroenterologist, and, if necessary, other specialists, since vomiting can be a symptom of various diseases.
Laboratory examination, including tests of blood, stomach contents, gall bladder and stool. Biochemical studies, bacterial cultures and immunological tests, for example, to detect hepatitis, may be required.
Study of the form, structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract. At the Yauza Clinical Hospital, endoscopic, ultrasound, X-ray diagnostic methods, CT and MRI, as well as their combinations, are used for this purpose. Research is carried out using modern expert-level equipment, the results are assessed by experienced specialists.
In the diagnosis of diseases that are accompanied by vomiting of bile, the exclusion of oncological processes and formations is of great importance. For this purpose, at the Yauza Clinical Hospital, it is possible to conduct a specialized oncological search, MRI (MR - whole body diffusion), genetic studies that reveal the patient’s predisposition to tumors of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, and blood tests for tumor markers.

Gastrointestinal diseases manifested by vomiting bile

Acute poisoning, infectious diseases (for example, hepatitis, salmonellosis, etc.), acute gastritis.
Diseases of the gallbladder - cholecystitis, including calculous (with the formation of stones), helminthic lesions of the gallbladder (opisthorchiasis).
Liver diseases.
Diseases of the pancreas - pancreatitis.
Diseases and situations when the normal patency of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted: narrowing of the stomach, most often its outlet (pylorus), which is possible with a stomach ulcer, tumors, after surgical interventions,
blockage of the bile ducts (cholestasis) by stones, tumors, adhesions,
intestinal obstruction, and vomiting of bile can occur when passage in both the small and large intestines is disrupted.

Symptoms

Bitterness in the mouth can manifest itself in different ways, for example:

after overeating and eating certain foods - indicates the reflux of bile into the esophagus and diseases of the bile ducts,
aftertaste after taking medications means a disruption of the normal microflora, a negative effect on the liver and the destruction of beneficial bacteria,
after sports training - speaks of liver pathologies.

Bitterness can occur at different times of the day, after physical activity and during the abuse of bad habits. Often the symptom is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, dizziness, heaviness in the side and abdominal pain, white coating on the tongue and a feeling of bloating, heartburn and belching, dry mouth. At the appointment, you need to inform the doctor in detail about each sign.

Treatment of vomiting bile

Effective relief from attacks of bile vomiting depends entirely on successful treatment of the disease causing it.

Specialists at the Yauza Clinical Hospital will quickly identify the cause of the unpleasant symptom - vomiting bile. In a hospital setting, it is possible to carry out both conservative therapy and high-tech surgical treatment for most diseases that cause this unpleasant symptom.

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IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.
In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. To make a diagnosis and properly prescribe treatment, you should contact your doctor. Bitterness in the mouth: causes of occurrence, what diseases it occurs with, diagnosis and treatment methods.

Definition

Very often, when a symptom such as a bitter taste in the mouth appears, patients do not rush to visit a doctor, but try to cope with it on their own, eating or washing down the unpleasant sensation, as well as using all kinds of rinses. In order to effectively get rid of bitterness in the mouth, you should consider the types and possible causes of its occurrence.

Types of bitterness in the mouth

In most cases, bitterness in the mouth is felt in the morning - immediately after waking up. After hygiene measures and eating, it may disappear until the next morning.

Sometimes the bitter taste returns after physical work, sharp bends or in a horizontal position.

Bitterness may occur after taking medications (antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsants, lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, hypnotics) or certain foods (for example, pine nuts and almonds), which indicates that it is not associated with diseases.

Sometimes patients, especially older ones, complain about the bitter taste of any food.

Possible causes of bitterness in the mouth

Poor oral hygiene and inflammatory diseases
(most often gums) can lead to bitterness in the mouth In these cases, food debris, accumulating between the teeth and in the gum pockets, begins to decompose and gives an unpleasant taste, accompanied by a putrid odor.

A fairly common cause of bitter taste is the accumulation of combustion products of tobacco mixtures (tars) on the oral mucosa.

However, the main reason for complaints of a bitter taste is associated with reflux of bile into the esophagus and oral cavity.

Usually this is not the only symptom; sometimes it is accompanied by vomiting bile, belching, pain and a feeling of bloating in the stomach. Pain in the upper abdomen and right hypochondrium is also possible, sometimes it radiates to the back and/or the right subscapular region. The pain does not change or decrease after bowel movements, when changing body position, or after taking antacids (drugs that relieve heartburn).

The reason for the reflux of bile into the esophagus is most often impaired motility (dyskinesia) of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary tract. Bile is necessary for the emulsification of fats, which determines its production and entry into the duodenum.

When motility is impaired, bile from the duodenum flows back into the stomach (duodenogastric reflux).

And in cases where the lower esophageal sphincter is also open, bile enters the esophagus (duodenogastroesophageal reflux) and the oral cavity, causing a feeling of bitterness.

This occurs with duodenal ulcers, obesity, diabetes, a low-calorie diet, during pregnancy, and also when feeding through a nasogastric tube (a thin tube is passed through the nose into the stomach so that liquid food can be delivered. This is necessary if the patient does not can eat food in the usual way.).

Feeding through a nasogastric tube

Bile reflux also occurs due to its stagnation in the duodenum (duodenostasis) after removal of the gallbladder. Overflow of the duodenum leads to stimulation of the vomiting center and causes nausea, vomiting and a bitter taste in the mouth.

The feeling of bitterness in the mouth due to impaired motility of the biliary tract also accompanies a number of systemic diseases, which are treated by a rheumatologist.

Biliary dyskinesia is characteristic of hormonal disorders (including hormone replacement therapy). In case of disorders of the brain, in particular with damage to the medulla oblongata, dyskinesia is caused by a violation of the nervous and endocrine regulation of the biliary (bile) tract.

Which doctors should I contact if I have bitterness in my mouth?

If a feeling of bitterness appears in the mouth, the first thing you need to do is sanitize the oral cavity by visiting a dentist.

If there are no dental problems, you should contact us to receive a referral for the necessary tests. After interviewing the patient and receiving the results of blood and urine tests, treatment can continue or.

Diagnostics and examinations for the appearance of bitterness in the mouth

If the examination does not reveal dental problems, as well as signs of rheumatological (systemic) diseases, the doctor prescribes the patient clinical and biochemical blood tests to assess the level of liver enzymes (ALT, AST), bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase, and a general urine test.