Weird Taste In Mouth After COVID

metallic taste in mouth Covid how long does it last

Do you feel like you have a weird taste in your mouth after Covid?

If you feel as if someone has dropped their leftover change from the grocery store in your mouth. This is known as Dysgeusia, also known as parageusia, which is the complete loss of taste, and hypergeusia is the partial loss of taste sensitivity.

Don’t shortchange the metallic taste on your tongue. It’s known as dysgeusia and could be a direct symptom of Covid-19. While some symptoms from long Covid disipate with time, this disorder can last longer. It’s possible that the common cold could change your taste patterns as well. Other sources note that the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine could also leave a metallic taste for up to weeks after your vaccination or booster shot.

Usually, a rare occurrence, a metal taste after a COVID-19 vaccine is normally short-lived. Rarely lasting beyond a few days. We recommend seeing your doctor if you present symptoms after a few days of receiving your shot.

 

Metallic Taste from COVID-19 Symptoms

Symptoms of Covid-19:

Loss of taste or smell
Fever
Chills
Cough
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Runny nose
sore throat
Vomiting
Nausea
Diarrhea
The metal mouth, not the same one as in the Jame Bond movie. Usually lasts from a few days to up to months after the underlying COVID-19 condition has been treated. If your coffee loses its sweetness, that is if you have coffee with two sugars as I do. If your pretzel doesn’t have the salty kick anymore. Instead, these all taste like tinfoil or your mouth feels as if it’s burning. These are all symptoms of dysgeusia.

 

How long does the Metallic Taste last after Covid?

After you get COVID-19, you might notice a weird metallic taste in your mouth. This change in how things taste is called dysgeusia and it’s pretty common when you have COVID-19. Sometimes, you might also lose your sense of taste or smell.

How long this metallic taste stays can be different for each person. It usually depends on things like how sick you got with COVID-19, your health, and how your body fights the virus. For a lot of people, this taste goes away after they start feeling better from COVID-19, which can take a few days to a couple of weeks. But for some people, it might last longer, especially if they have long COVID. This is when COVID-19 symptoms stick around for weeks or months after you first got sick.

Remember, everyone’s experience with COVID-19 can be different. If you or someone you know keeps having this metallic taste for a long time or has other symptoms that are worrying, it’s a good idea to take the Long Covid Assessment and seek treatment.

Metallic Taste Treatments: Metal Mouth Solutions after Covid.

The metallic taste in the mouth experienced after COVID-19, known as dysgeusia, is a symptom that can be associated with the infection itself, the COVID-19 vaccine, or antiviral treatments like Paxlovid or Stellate Ganglion Block for long covid treatment. This taste alteration usually resolves on its own once the infection clears. However, in cases where it persists, it’s important to consult a doctor for further evaluation and management.

There are no specific treatments for this symptom when caused by COVID-19, as it typically goes away as the body recovers from the infection. Some general approaches that can be considered include:

Hydration and Oral Hygiene: Staying hydrated and maintaining good oral hygiene may help in alleviating the metallic taste.

Dietary Adjustments: Trying different foods with strong flavors might also help in managing the altered taste sensation.

Medication Review: If a certain medication is suspected to be causing the taste alteration, consulting with a doctor about possibly ceasing or changing the medication is advised.

Supplements: Some people find relief with supplements like zinc gluconate, although the effectiveness of such supplements can vary.

Olfactory Training: This is a process where repeated stimulation of olfactory neurons with defined odorants may help in recovering the sense of taste and smell. It’s the only disease-specific intervention with demonstrated efficacy for postinfectious smell and taste disturbances.

Topical Corticosteroids: These might be considered for treating postinfectious smell and taste dysfunction. However, their effectiveness specifically for COVID-19 related symptoms is not well-established and should be used with medical guidance.

It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment recommendations, especially if the metallic taste persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Can the Metallic taste be caused by the Vaccine?

 The metallic taste in the mouth, experienced by a small percentage of individuals, may be attributed to the COVID-19 vaccine. This side effect, if it occurs promptly after vaccination and without a loss of smell, is likely related to the vaccine itself. On the other hand, if this taste alteration develops several days post-vaccination, it could indicate a COVID-19 infection.

Additionally, this symptom can be a side effect of COVID-19 antiviral therapy, particularly when using Ritonavir-Boosted Nirmatrelvir, commercially known as Paxlovid. Referred to sometimes as “Paxlovid mouth,” this side effect typically resolves on its own following the completion of the treatment. If the altered taste sensation continues beyond the treatment period, it is advisable to seek medical advice.

What Else Could Cause a Metallic Taste in My Mouth?

While a COVID-19 infection can sometimes result in a metallic taste in the mouth, it’s important to note that this symptom can be caused by a variety of other factors. These include:

  • Gum Disease: Oral health issues, especially gum disease, can alter taste sensations.
  • Common Cold: Respiratory infections like the common cold can impact your sense of taste.
  • Sinus Infections: Infections in the sinus can affect the taste due to their proximity to the olfactory senses.
  • Airway Infections: Infections affecting the airways might change your sense of taste.
  • Indigestion: Gastrointestinal issues can occasionally lead to taste disturbances.
  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can modify taste perceptions.
  • Certain Medications: Some drugs, like metronidazole, are known to cause a metallic taste.
  • Cancer Treatment: Treatments for cancer, including chemotherapy, can alter taste.

If a doctor suspects that the metallic taste is linked to a COVID-19 infection, they may recommend a COVID-19 test to confirm the diagnosis. It’s crucial to consider these other potential causes when experiencing such a symptom and to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate assessment and appropriate guidance.