PATIENT A:
If a person keeps coughing, even after taking cough tablets and upon it, when eating majority thing cooked taste salty, tasting the food for others is normal but it's salty when the person taste it. What do you think is the cause?
GODUMS-MEDIC:
If a person continues coughing despite taking cough tablets and also experiences food tasting abnormally salty only to them (while others find it normal), there are a few possible causes. These symptoms together may indicate an underlying issue involving the respiratory system, taste perception, or even a systemic condition. Here's a breakdown:
---
Possible Causes:
1. Upper Respiratory Infection or Post-Nasal Drip
Persistent cough may be due to an infection or inflammation (e.g., viral cold, sinusitis, or allergies).
Post-nasal drip can irritate the throat and also affect taste receptors, sometimes making things taste salty or metallic.
Some cough medications or other drugs (like antihistamines, decongestants, or antibiotics) can cause a salty or metallic taste.
Review all medications being taken — not just cough tablets.
3. Dehydration or Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Dry mouth alters taste perception, often making things taste overly salty or bitter.
Coughing can dry out the throat and mouth further, compounding the issue.
Deficiencies, particularly zinc, can disrupt taste (dysgeusia), sometimes causing foods to taste salty, metallic, or bland.
5. Neurological or Sensory Disturbance
Changes in taste may result from cranial nerve issues, especially involving the facial nerve (VII) or glossopharyngeal nerve (IX).
This could be due to viral infections, inflammation, or even more serious conditions like nerve damage.
Altered taste and persistent cough are hallmark symptoms, even weeks after infection.
7. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD can cause a chronic cough and sour/salty taste due to acid reflux reaching the mouth.
---
Possible Solution:
See a doctor (preferably an ENT specialist or general physician).
A physical exam, full history, and maybe some blood work or throat culture will help.
If recent history includes a cold, flu, or COVID-19, mention that too.
Stay hydrated, and avoid spicy/salty foods temporarily to reduce irritation.
---
N/B: If you have any questions, please feel free to comment. Share with family and friends if this is found helpful.
"Have you tried this technique? How did it work for you?"