Has anyone experienced bad/horrible taste in mouth following ICU/ITU stay/chemo/radiation?

Bad taste in mouth. Mother spent 8 weeks ventilated following chemotherapy. Complains of a constant bad taste in mouth and is eating very little and severely depressed due to it. 1.5 years post intensive care

[Sepsur]

Hi @MG1849

Welcome, I hope others respond to you. What I experienced is similar for a period of time ( nothing like 1.5yrs) although I haven’t had chemo whilst in ICU. I had BTK inhibitors to treat leukaemia 3.5yrs after my ICU experience that has changed my sense of taste again. Apparently it is common to have a horrible taste after chemo( metallic often), I get unpleasant acid reflux. After ICU, I couldn’t drink coffee, in fact, everything tasted either too sweet, too salty or just had too much taste.

I’m guessing your Mum has been shielding over this period of time, might some of her low mood be down to feeling isolated and alone with her experience? Both ICU & chemo will change your character too. Has she tried reaching out for help from hospital? GP? Or support groups? Like ICUsteps?

[Rhyl1 Partner Moderator ICUsteps]

It is not unusual for ICU patients to have taste changes, food tasting metallic or too salty or like cardboard. It makes eating an extra challenge. Trying food with strong flavours can help.

[Rach2Sym]

For me, Covid-19 meant 6 weeks in hospital, 2 of which were in ICU with ventilation, which left me with constant foul tastes and reflux. After 3 months this has improved (I can enjoy coffee again), but it's still a bit wearing and depressing for me. Clinicians in the team say that this is not uncommon. I understand that Covid-19 attacks cells in the throat and that the mechanical ventilator often causes damage. My respiratory consultant reminded me that taste is difficult to explain: it's a combination of cells, receptors, signals to the brain and mental interpretation - basically elusive and subjective. My heart goes out to your mother for having had to cope with it for so long - I hope she can find some sort of therapy that will help.

As a general aside, I would flag up to the wonderful care professionals that this meant that regular hospital drinks during my recovery were rendered disgusting - water, tea, coffee, fruit squashes containing artificial sweeteners etc. Fortunately for me, my wife supplied fresh fruit juices - pineapple, apple etc - which, even with the thickeners that were initially required, were pleasant and soothing, especially when chilled.

[DrARDS]

Taste changes are common, but I’d also consider a referral to oral medicine.

Perhaps there is some non specific pathology going on.