All people at least once in their life experience a sour, metallic or bitter taste in the mouth. This may be due to smoking or taking certain medications. But it may be a sign of serious illness.

Dr. Pavel Bogomolov, a hepatologist, points out in a television interview that to determine the cause, it is necessary first of all to know how often the bitter taste appears in the mouth. If it is rare, there is no need to worry. But if a person suffers from it always, this requires consulting a specialist.

He adds, because the main reason for a bitter taste in the mouth may indicate diseases of the liver and bile ducts. Another common cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which affects three quarters of the population. It may also be due to taking certain medications that affect the digestive system.

He says, “The important thing nowadays is to limit the number of medications the doctor prescribes to the patient. Because if there are 5-7 types, or more than ten, the possibility of a bitter taste in the mouth is very likely.”

He adds, as the cause may be infections, causing an imbalance in the work of the stomach and taste receptors. Among the factors that cause bitter taste in the mouth, anemia, dental disease and stress. The specialist advises not to self-medicate this problem, but to consult a doctor and conduct the necessary examination to determine its cause.