Coughing can be a symptom of many conditions and diseases. In some cases, a person may experience a taste of blood when coughing. This can be alarming, as it suggests there may be an underlying health problem. In this article, we'll discuss the potential causes of a metallic taste in the mouth when coughing, as well as when to see a doctor.
What Causes a Metallic Taste When Coughing?
The taste of blood when coughing can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. These include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is a common digestive disorder that occurs when acid or other stomach contents back up into the esophagus. This can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, as well as coughing.
- Respiratory infections: Respiratory infections, such as bronchitis, can cause a person to cough up phlegm. This phlegm can contain small amounts of blood, resulting in a metallic taste in the mouth.
- Lung cancer: In some cases, coughing up small amounts of blood can be a sign of lung cancer. If a person experiences a metallic taste in their mouth when coughing, they should see a doctor for further evaluation.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause a person to cough, which in turn can lead to a metallic taste in the mouth.
What Other Symptoms Accompany a Metallic Taste When Coughing?
The other symptoms that accompany a metallic taste when coughing will depend on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
- Coughing: Coughing is often the first symptom of a medical condition. It may be dry or productive (producing phlegm or mucus).
- Chest pain: Chest pain is a common symptom of many respiratory conditions, including asthma and bronchitis. It may be sharp or dull.
- Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath is a common symptom of many respiratory conditions. It may be accompanied by wheezing or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
- Fever: A fever is often a sign of infection. It may be accompanied by chills, body aches, and fatigue.
When to See a Doctor
If a person experiences a metallic taste in their mouth when coughing, they should see a doctor for further evaluation. It is especially important to see a doctor if the metallic taste is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Coughing up blood or phlegm
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Persistent coughing
Treatment
The type of treatment a person receives will depend on the underlying cause of their metallic taste when coughing. Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat a bacterial infection. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms improve.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines may be prescribed to treat allergies. These drugs work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance produced by the body in response to an allergen.
- Inhaled medications: Inhaled medications, such as bronchodilators, may be prescribed to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. These drugs work by relaxing the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Surgery: Surgery may be recommended for certain conditions, such as lung cancer. This may involve removing part or all of the affected lung.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when you taste blood when you cough?
A metallic taste in the mouth when coughing may indicate a medical condition, such as GERD or a respiratory infection. In some cases, it may be a sign of lung cancer. It is important to see a doctor for further evaluation.
Can allergies cause a metallic taste in the mouth when coughing?
Yes, allergies can cause a person to cough, which can lead to a metallic taste in the mouth. Allergic reactions can also cause other symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose.
Can GERD cause a metallic taste in the mouth when coughing?
Yes, GERD can cause a person to experience a metallic taste in the mouth when coughing. Other symptoms of GERD include heartburn, nausea, and a sour taste in the mouth.
Is a metallic taste in the mouth when coughing a sign of cancer?
In some cases, coughing up small amounts of blood can be a sign of lung cancer. If a person experiences a metallic taste in their mouth when coughing, they should see a doctor for further evaluation.
What other symptoms accompany a metallic taste when coughing?
The other symptoms that accompany a metallic taste when coughing will depend on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fever.
When should I see a doctor for a metallic taste when coughing?
If a person experiences a metallic taste in their mouth when coughing, they should see a doctor for further evaluation. It is especially important to see a doctor if the metallic taste is accompanied by any of the following symptoms: coughing up blood or phlegm, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, wheezing, or persistent coughing.
What treatments are available for a metallic taste when coughing?
The type of treatment a person receives will depend on the underlying cause of their metallic taste when coughing. Treatment may include antibiotics, antihistamines, inhaled medications, or surgery.