Changes in the sense of taste are medically referred to as dysgeusia. Dysgeusia may be characterized as a bitter taste or a metal taste in the mouth. A metal taste in the mouth often occurs as a symptom of an underlying disease and not as an independent condition. The severity of the conditions that cause a metal taste in the mouth vary greatly.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is an oral condition characterized by a chronic burning pain in the mouth that can be extremely severe. Burning mouth syndrome usually affects a widespread area of the mouth and is extremely bothersome, says MayoClinic.com. In addition to pain, other symptoms of burning mouth syndrome include dry mouth, increased thirst, loss of taste and a metal taste in the mouth. When the cause of burning mouth syndrome is unknown and the condition appears to develop independently, it is referred to as primary burning mouth syndrome. If the syndrome occurs as a result of underlying conditions, it is called secondary burning mouth syndrome. Treatment for burning mouth syndrome is difficult and generally consists of trial and error with pain relievers, vitamin supplements, oral rinses and medications.
Zinc Deficiency
Zinc is an essential mineral, which means that it is not produced in the body and must be consumed through the diet. Zinc is involved in a number of body functions, including protein synthesis, wound healing, immune system function, cell division and normal taste and smell, says the Office of Dietary Supplements. The recommended intake of zinc is 8 mg per day for an adult female and 11 mg per day for an adult male. Zinc deficiency can occur due to an inadequate intake of zinc, inability to absorb zinc or loss of zinc from the body. Because zinc is involved in a wide range of body functions, deficiencies can cause a myriad of symptoms including loss of appetite, impaired immune function, hair loss, diarrhea, impotence in males, lesions on the eyes and skin, delayed healing and taste abnormalities. Zinc deficiencies can usually be treated with increased intake of zinc in the diet or oral supplementation of zinc.
Acute Kidney Failure
Acute kidney failure is the sudden loss of proper kidney function. When the kidneys cannot function, excess fluid and salts are not properly filtered. Loss of kidney function also prevents the removal of waste products from the bloodstream. This causes the levels of fluids, salts and waste in the body to accumulate and reach potentially harmful levels. One of the main symptoms of acute kidney failure is edema, which is swelling caused by accumulation of fluid. Edema is most noticeable in the legs, ankles, feet and abdomen. Other symptoms include easy bruising, breath odor, fatigue, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, decrease in urine production, nosebleeds and a metal taste in the mouth. Acute kidney failure requires overnight hospitalization, during which diuretics will be given and fluid will be restricted. Minerals and electrolytes will also be administered intravenously. Those with dangerous levels of fluid, salt and waste accumulation may require dialysis.
