Cod stage 5 bad taste in mouth

[MPJ1]

I’m in stage 5 four months after cancerous kidney removed. Have been stable and having some improvement in my numbers. Past few days I’ve had a bad taste in my mouth. I see my nephrologist next week, but wanted to see if anyone else has the same problem.

[Ziggydoodah]

Sorry to hear what you have been through. With kidney disease, you do get a metallic taste in your mouth in later stages. I did not have this, I did however have an ammonia taste, which was awful. So if your gfr is at a certain level you might be getting one of these symptoms? All the best

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hi MPJ1. Yep. I’m actually stage 4, but I often do get a really strong bad / metallic taste in my mouth. I’ve been told before though, that it’s quite common in those of us with CKD. Apparently, it’s to do with our levels building up, and our kidneys not filtering efficiently.

I would mention it to your nephrologist at your appointment and ask for some suggestions on how to manage it. The recommendation may just be to limit your intake of this and that, but at least they’ll be aware, and might be able to offer you a helpful answer.

I brush my teeth almost constantly, as well as using mouthwash frequently. So far, no one has complained about my breath, so I’m not sure if it’s noticeable by others who are perhaps just too polite to say something. I’ve also tried other more natural things like lemon and parsley to help. Lol! That may just be a myth, but I find that it actually does help a little. Unfortunately though, it always returns.

Wish I had more helpful advice to share regarding this. All my best to you! God bless. 😊👍🙏

PS: If you should happen to receive any good suggestions on this, please do share!

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

Metallic taste is often build up of metal based things like sodium, potassium, aluminum, magnesium in the blood. Hence metallic taste. Many in stage 4-5 get this symptom. Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) i.e dialysis or transplant is the only way to correct this. Blessings

[RonZone]

Stage 5 here as well, eGFR 5.8, Creatinine 10.4. The only time I have that taste is when I burp, then it tastes nasty. Like Sammi, no one has run away screaming when I breath on them, so I assume my breath isn't that bad yet (other than burp time, which I try to avoid doing in front of someone) This might be another good reason I might keep wearing masks after you get to stage 5, especially after eating burp producing meals!

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to RonZone]

Hey! A mask! That’s a great idea. Think I’ll do the same! Lol! Thank you RonZone! 😊👍😷

[Terris5 in reply to RonZone]

Are you on dialysis?

[RonZone in reply to Terris5]

I start PD in three-four weeks.

[BabyTee]

My mom used to chew xylitol gum. Hers was from ammonia that built up due to liver failure (PBC). Terrible taste is pretty common, but there are a couple of reasons for it. Doc should look at your blood work and let you know what you can do.

I brush twice a day and rinse with Biotene mouthwash (or it's generic), and also use the mints or lozenges to get rid of the taste. I still had a bad taste once I started dialysis, so dialysis isn't a promise of taste improving. It's easier to lose weight once nothing tastes good, though.

If your blood work is not recent, try to get some blood work since this problem started. That will be more useful for the Doc to determine the cause and see if anything needs addressing.

Good luck with your health. Thank goodness they found the cancerous kidney before it got worse.