Unexplained Sweet Taste in the Mouth: A Guide for Seniors

Q: Unexplained Sweet Taste in the Mouth: A Guide for Seniors

Hello, regarding your concerns： 1. The sweet sensation in your mouth over the past month is a non-specific symptom and a subjective feeling, making it difficult to attribute to a specific disease. 2. The results of the kidney ultrasound show renal parenchymal

Frequent unexplained sweet taste in the mouth?

Dear Dr.
Liao,
Hello.
My mother has been experiencing a sweet taste in her mouth frequently over the past month, and this occurs not only during or after meals.
She is 83 years old and had a heart catheterization about ten years ago, during which a stent was placed.
She has a history of hypertension for approximately 30 years and has been consistently stable with regular check-ups and medication.
In September of this year, her blood and urine tests showed a fasting glucose level of 118.
An ultrasound of her kidneys revealed renal parenchymal disease, bilateral renal cysts, calcifications in the left kidney, and a suspected adrenal tumor on the right kidney.

Given her medical history and recent health status, I would like to ask which specialty she should see for her condition.
I appreciate your time and look forward to your response.

Wishing you peace and safety.
Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Renzi, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/24

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, regarding your concerns:
1.
The sweet sensation in your mouth over the past month is a non-specific symptom and a subjective feeling, making it difficult to attribute to a specific disease.

2.
The results of the kidney ultrasound show renal parenchymal disease, bilateral renal cysts, calcifications in the left kidney, and a suspected adrenal tumor on the right kidney.
It is unclear what follow-up recommendations the original treating physician provided.
A referral to a urologist for evaluation of the adrenal tumor may be appropriate.

3.
The pre-meal glucose level of 118 is slightly above the normal fasting blood sugar range.
Regular monitoring is recommended.
Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2023/10/24

More Info

Dear Concerned Child,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your mother's unusual experience of a sweet taste in her mouth. This phenomenon, known as dysgeusia or phantogeusia, can be particularly concerning, especially in elderly patients with a complex medical history like your mother's. Given her age, history of hypertension, and recent medical findings, it is essential to approach this situation with careful consideration.

Dysgeusia, or altered taste perception, can arise from various causes, including medications, metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, and even psychological factors. In your mother's case, the sweet taste she experiences could be linked to several potential underlying issues:
1. Medication Side Effects: Many medications, especially those used to manage hypertension or other chronic conditions, can alter taste perception. If your mother is on multiple medications, it would be wise to review them with her healthcare provider to determine if any could be contributing to her symptoms.

2. Metabolic Disorders: The glucose level you mentioned (118 mg/dL) is slightly elevated, which could indicate prediabetes or diabetes. High blood sugar levels can sometimes lead to a sweet taste in the mouth. Given her history of hypertension and the recent lab results, it would be prudent to monitor her blood glucose levels more closely and discuss these findings with her doctor.

3. Neurological Factors: Conditions affecting the nervous system can also lead to changes in taste. Given your mother's age and health history, it may be worth considering a neurological evaluation, especially if she has other symptoms such as changes in smell, taste, or cognitive function.

4. Oral Health Issues: Dental problems, such as infections or decay, can also lead to altered taste sensations. A dental check-up might be beneficial to rule out any oral health issues.

5. Kidney Function: The ultrasound findings indicating renal issues could also play a role. The kidneys are crucial in filtering blood and maintaining metabolic balance, and any dysfunction could potentially lead to changes in taste or other systemic symptoms.

Given these considerations, I recommend that you take your mother to see a healthcare provider who specializes in internal medicine or geriatrics. They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of her medications, blood tests to assess her metabolic status, and possibly refer her to a neurologist or an endocrinologist if necessary.

In the meantime, encourage your mother to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated. If she experiences any additional symptoms, such as changes in appetite, weight loss, or other unusual sensations, it is important to report these to her healthcare provider promptly.

In conclusion, while the sweet taste in your mother's mouth may seem benign, it can be a symptom of underlying health issues that require attention. A thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional will help determine the cause and appropriate management for her condition. Thank you for being proactive about your mother's health, and I wish you both the best in navigating this situation.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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