Strange taste/feeling in lungs

[rom661]

Hi. I'm new. I was recently diagnosed with COPD. Lifelong asthmatic. I have a chronic low level burn in my lungs and a weird... taste? It's hard to describe. Almost like I've inhaled toxic fumes like chlorine or something. It seems to accompany my worst breathing times. It's sort of metallic, sort of chemical. My doctor doesn't seem to know. He's contemplating doing a CT scan if insurance will approve (I'm a Yank). Any thoughts? Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi good to meet you. This could your sign of an exacerbation ie when your lungs are inflamed due to triggers such as chlorine, perfume, cigarette smoke etc. If so steroids might well sort it out.

There are lots of triggers for us lungies and some react worse to certain things than others. Paint and perfume are other common ones too along with animal dander. Not all the same triggers affect everyone as we are all different.

[rom661 in reply to Hidden]

That's good to know. I'm getting ready to move and have been around some stuff. It's a chronic thing but decidedly worse right now. I have a steroid inhaler. The bronchial dilator isn't helping but perhaps I should try it. Thanks.

[O2Trees]

Hi Rom, welcome! Sometimes nasty tastes in the mouth can be due to acid reflux regurgitation - many with copd have this. Might be worth checking with your doctor if they haven't already checked this. Hope you can sort it.

[rom661 in reply to O2Trees]

I do get it but it's under control. I have a strong feeling it's in my lungs because I can feel it there if that makes any sense. Like inflammation or something. But you're right; my pulmonary doc talked about that. I'm probably paranoid. My father and younger brother died of lung cancer and my mother was just diagnosed.

[Hidden]

Reading your post and the excellent answers I suggest getting the ct can done and hoping theinsurance will pay out for a good pulmonologist. At least then you will get a proper diagnosis if another condition has joined the asthma. If it turns out to be an exacerbation (infection) it can be treated. Carrying on worrying and suffering isn't the answer is it

[Hidden]

Hello Rom. I was put on Advair Diskus, and a "peace pipe" nebulizer when I was first diagnosed with COPD/Emphysema and I had the same reaction...for months. I also mentioned this to the Pulmonologist who seemed surprised, as well. I have since stopped the nebulizer as the Advair in itself made me, and still does make me, very nervous, shaky, and anxious, but it is the medicine I must take. Since I stopped the nebulizer I haven't had the same taste in my mouth, and like others here, even though I brushed and brushed, and gargled and gargled, nothing seemed to help. So, my thinking is that it was the nebulizer, or I just got used to the terrible taste! It could very well be your new medicine. I do hope that your insurance approves a CT Scan. I know how difficult it can be to get things pushed through, especially when you're feeling so lost.

As a side note, you are in the absolute best place for support, amidst the most incredibly friendly, helpful, well-informed people. My diagnosis is going on close to two years, and as a "Yank" myself, no forum I found in the US can compare to this one.

Good luck to you. You are not alone. And please keep everyone posted. It took me a long time to write...my first post here was today (!)...and I'm so glad I did.

[soulsaver]

Hi Is the metallic taste more prevalent when/after you're lying down/wake up? And is the 'burn' in the middle/ behind sternum? If so certainly sounds like GERD.

You could try an OTC antacid like Ranitidine before bed, while you wait for GP appointment, who would likely prescribe a daily proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole if it turns out to be GERD ('GORD' UK).

Best wishes

[carotopgal]

As one Yank to another, welcome. I don't have any words of wisdom, but you have found the best place with the nicest people when it comes to questions and just having folks to talk to. It makes all the difference in the world!