Metallic Taste When Coughing: Causes And Symptoms

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What causes a metallic taste when coughing?

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Aaron Kandola — Updated on March 31, 2023

Causes
Treatments
When to see a doctor
Outlook

A metallic taste when coughing might stem from certain medical treatments or an underlying condition, such as gum disease. A respiratory tract infection can sometimes lead to blood in sputum, which can taste metallic.

The metallic taste might also occur at other times, such as while eating or drinking. The taste can be unpleasant and make it difficult to eat or drink.

Depending on the cause, the metallic taste may occur alongside other symptoms. For example, an infection might also cause fever-like symptoms.

In most cases, a metallic taste while coughing will go away after treating the underlying cause.

This article will discuss several possible causes of a metallic taste while coughing, as well as some other symptoms that might occur.

Causes and other symptoms

a man coughing where there might be a metallic taste — If a person has gum disease, they might notice a metallic taste when coughing.

The following conditions may cause a person to have a metallic taste when coughing:

Gum disease

Gum, or periodontal, disease is an infection of the gum tissues in the mouth.

A buildup of bacteria in the mouth can cause gum disease. Keeping good oral hygiene is usually enough to prevent a buildup of bacteria. Smoking is another possible cause of gum disease.

Some other symptoms of gum disease include:

bad breath
swollen and sore gums
bleeding gums
difficulty chewing
sensitive teeth

In more severe cases, it can cause the gums to recede and the teeth to loosen or fall out.

Learn more about gum disease here.

A cold

A cold, also known as a respiratory tract infection, results from an infection in the nose, throat, and lungs. Rhinovirus infections cause colds and can spread easily to others.

Most people with a cold experience mild symptoms that include a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and a cough. Some people also experience a fever.

A cold can affect sense of smell, which then affects the sense of taste, potentially causing a metallic taste in the mouth.

A respiratory tract infection can also lead to blood in sputum, which may have a metallic taste.

Learn more about colds here.

Sinus infection

Sinus infections can cause a loss of smell, which can cause a lack of flavor to food and a metallic taste in the mouth.

The sinuses are empty spaces behind the cheeks and forehead that connect to the nose. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, can cause inflammation in the sinuses. This inflammation produces a range of symptoms.

Other symptoms of sinus infections include:

a green, runny substance coming from the nose
a stuffy nose
a cough
tiredness
a fever
a sore throat
bad breath
teeth pain
headaches

Sinus infections are different from rhinitis, which only affects the nasal passages.

Learn more about sinus infections here.

Certain types of medication

Some medications can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. For example, antibiotics and lithium both have this side effect.

If medication side effects are affecting day-to-day life or making it difficult to eat and drink, a person can see their doctor. It is essential not to stop taking these medications without talking to a doctor first.

Indigestion

Indigestion refers to a group of symptoms that affect the gastrointestinal system, including the airways, stomach, and intestines. Indigestion can cause:

stomach pain
uncomfortable fullness after a meal
fullness too soon after a meal

Indigestion is not a disease. Some health conditions can cause indigestion, such as gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome. Indigestion can also be a symptom of GERD.

In other cases, foods, drinks, or stress can cause indigestion.

Learn more about indigestion here.

Cancer treatments

Cancer treatments can affect how the senses function and change the normal flow of saliva. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can produce a metallic taste in the mouth.

Around 80% of people receiving cancer treatment experience changes in the taste of food. Specifically, cancer treatments can cause some foods — such as salty, bitter, or sweet foods — to taste unpleasant.

Meat, in particular, may taste metallic, while other foods might taste more bland than usual.

Pregnancy

Some pregnant women experience a metallic taste in the mouth due to dysgeusia, a distortion of a person’s sense of taste.

People with dysgeusia experience changes in their sense of taste. The taste tends to be salty, rancid, or metallic. Sometimes, foods might lack any taste at all.

Pregnancy hormones can cause dysgeusia. Dysgeusia is most common in the first trimester, and taste will usually return to normal in the second trimester.

Treatments

Treating a metallic taste when coughing will depend on its cause. Some causes are easy to treat, while others might be longer lasting.

Gum disease is usually treatable with good oral hygiene measures. These include brushing properly each day, flossing, and using mouthwash as necessary. Quitting smoking will also help.

Antibiotics are the first line of treatment against many bacterial infections. For example, a doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to treat a sinus infection. They might also suggest other medications to help with symptoms, such as a decongestant or an antihistamine.

Over-the-counter medications are highly effective for treating most cases of indigestion. For example, antacids help counteract excess stomach acid that causes symptoms.

In more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary. For example, proton pump inhibitors are particularly effective in people who also have heartburn.

If the metallic taste is a result of cancer treatment, it is critical not to self-medicate. Avoid taking any vitamins, supplements, or other products without discussing it with a doctor first. This can interfere with treatment.

People may find that eating with plastic cutlery and using glass cookware instead of metal may help reduce the metallic taste. Citrus fruits, sugar, and salt may also help disguise a metallic taste in the mouth.

People may need to check with their healthcare team before adding any extra sugar or salt to their meals.

Avoid changing from a medication causing the metallic taste without first talking to a doctor.

When to see a doctor

A metallic taste when coughing can be a symptom of a condition that requires medical attention. For example, co-occurring fever-like symptoms could indicate an infection that is treatable with prescription medications.

Most people do not require medical attention for mild conditions, such as a cold. However, older adults should see a doctor for a cold if their symptoms become severe or persist for longer than a few days.

If a medication or cancer treatment is causing the problem, always see a doctor before making any changes. A doctor might be able to prescribe a different medication or advise on other possible changes to make.

Outlook

A metallic taste when coughing can be a side effect of a certain treatment or medication. It can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition.

The metallic taste should go away once treatment ends. Treating the underlying cause of the metallic taste should resolve this symptom.

Dentistry
Respiratory
Blood / Hematology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Horsager-Boehrer, R. (2016). 5 weird pregnancy symptoms you might not know about.https://utswmed.org/medblog/weird-pregnancy-symptoms/
Indigestion (dyspepsia). (n.d.). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/indigestion-dyspepsia
Lithium good practice standards. (n.d.). https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/members/old-age-meeting-16-november-2017-radisson-blu-glasgow/mhs-mrg-26---lithium-good-practice-standards.pdf?sfvrsn=61edcf3d_2
Metallic taste. (2017). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/metallic-taste/
Periodontal (gum) disease. (2018). https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info
Sinus infection. (n.d.). https://acaai.org/allergies/types/sinus-infection
Taste and smell changes. (2015). https://www.cancervic.org.au/living-with-cancer/common-side-effects/taste-and-smell-changes
Taste changes. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/diagnosis-and-treatment/managing-side-effects/taste-changes/?region=on
Taste disorders. (2017).https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taste-disorders
Treatment of indigestion. (2016).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/indigestion-dyspepsia/treatment

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Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Aaron Kandola — Updated on March 31, 2023

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