Salty Taste: Possible Neurological Causes and Stress Impact

The taste sensation is salty?

Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing a salty taste in my mouth, and it seems like my saliva is also salty.
I have seen a dentist and a family physician, and I have undergone routine blood tests, all of which came back normal.
What could be the reason for this? Could it be related to a neurological issue? I have been under a lot of stress as well; could that be a factor? Thank you.

Ms. Chen, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/20

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Based on your description, it may be necessary to consider the impact of reduced saliva secretion on taste perception.
Saliva secretion is triggered by neural reflexes and is regulated by the cerebral cortex and the autonomic nervous system.
During eating, food stimulates the sensory nerves in the oral mucosa, which sends signals to the salivary center in the brain, and subsequently, through reflex action via the autonomic nervous system, impulses are sent to the salivary glands to stimulate saliva production.
Anxiety can inhibit saliva secretion, leading to a sensation of dry mouth and discomfort.
Additionally, conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome may also affect salivary gland function.
It is advisable to consult a neurologist or a rheumatologist for further evaluation and discussion.
Wishing you health and well-being.

Reply Date: 2016/01/20

More Info

The sensation of a salty taste in the mouth, especially when accompanied by a perception that saliva is also salty, can be perplexing and concerning. Given that you have already consulted with dental and primary care physicians and have undergone routine blood tests that returned normal results, it is essential to explore other potential causes, including neurological factors and the impact of stress.

Firstly, the phenomenon of altered taste perception, known as dysgeusia, can arise from various factors. Neurological issues can indeed play a role in this condition. The taste sensation is processed by the gustatory system, which involves several cranial nerves, including the facial nerve (VII), glossopharyngeal nerve (IX), and vagus nerve (X). Any dysfunction or irritation in these nerves can lead to altered taste sensations. Conditions such as Bell's palsy, multiple sclerosis, or even a transient ischemic attack (TIA) could potentially affect taste perception, although these are less common.

Moreover, stress and anxiety can significantly influence bodily functions, including taste perception. When under stress, the body undergoes a cascade of physiological changes, including the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can affect various bodily systems, including the salivary glands, potentially leading to changes in saliva composition and taste perception. Stress can also exacerbate conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to a salty or sour taste in the mouth due to stomach acid reaching the esophagus.

Additionally, dehydration, which can be exacerbated by stress, may lead to changes in saliva production and composition, resulting in a salty taste. If you are experiencing increased stress, it may be worthwhile to assess your hydration levels and ensure you are consuming adequate fluids.

Another potential cause could be medications. Certain medications, particularly those affecting the central nervous system or those that alter salivary flow, can lead to dysgeusia. If you are taking any medications, it would be prudent to review them with your healthcare provider to determine if they could be contributing to your symptoms.

In summary, while neurological issues could be a factor in your altered taste perception, stress and its physiological effects are also significant contributors. It is advisable to continue monitoring your symptoms and consider discussing them with a specialist, such as a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, who can provide a more comprehensive evaluation. Additionally, managing stress through relaxation techniques, therapy, or lifestyle changes may help alleviate some of the symptoms you are experiencing. If the salty taste persists or worsens, further investigation may be warranted to rule out any underlying conditions.

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