Why does phlegm taste bad

Our body always produces mucus, Some mucus is required for a healthy body, but too much of it can be caused. We notice it most when it changes as a result of a respiratory infection Like cold or flu, irritation in nose etc.

Mucus is an essential sticky and slippery fluid produced by the lungs and respiratory system of the body. It is very important to get rid of mucus regularly to eliminate bacteria and viruses from the body. Here are the list of 12 marvelous herbs to clear mucus from the body naturally. Would the phlegm that is stuck in my throat and back of my nose have any thing to do with the tonsil stones and yellow tounge I have?

I have all 3 and wonder if there is any relation. The phlegm tastes bad and makes it hard to swallow. There is also film on my tounge that is as thick as phlegm and ALSO tastes bad but has turned my tounge a yellow color. I have removed several tonsil stones, I scrape my tounge with a dental scraper often, and I gargle with water and also mouthwash for my phlegm in the throat problem and the film on my tounge.

My breath smells bad and when I swallow it tastes bad too. So again, Can all 3 of these issues be in relation to one another, or so I have 3 separate issues? Can they be resolved with a dentist or would I need to see a ENT specialist considering I have all 3 at once, and have had all 3 for the last 2 years? Thank you in advance!

I had the same problems. Tonsil stones are the worst. At 40 I had my tonsils removed as it was the only option left to prevent stones. I got tired of pulling them out each morning and having bad breath. This inflammation produces a range of symptoms. Other symptoms of sinus infections include :. Learn more about sinus infections here. Some medications can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. For example, antibiotics and lithium both have this side effect.

If medication side effects are affecting day-to-day life or making it difficult to eat and drink, a person can see their doctor. It is essential not to stop taking these medications without talking to a doctor first. Indigestion refers to a group of symptoms that affect the gastrointestinal system, including the airways, stomach, and intestines. Indigestion can cause :. Indigestion is not a disease.

Some health conditions can cause indigestion, such as gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD , and irritable bowel syndrome. Indigestion can also be a symptom of GERD. Learn more about indigestion here.

Cancer treatments can affect how the senses function and change the normal flow of saliva. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can produce a metallic taste in the mouth.

Specifically, cancer treatments can cause some foods — such as salty, bitter, or sweet foods — to taste unpleasant. People with dysgeusia experience changes in their sense of taste. The taste tends to be salty, rancid, or metallic. Sometimes, foods might lack any taste at all. Pregnancy hormones can cause dysgeusia. Dysgeusia is most common in the first trimester, and taste will usually return to normal in the second trimester.

Treating a metallic taste when coughing will depend on its cause. Some causes are easy to treat, while others might be longer lasting.

Gum disease is usually treatable with good oral hygiene measures. These include brushing properly each day, flossing, and using mouthwash as necessary. Quitting smoking will also help. Antibiotics are the first line of treatment against many bacterial infections. For example, a doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to treat a sinus infection. They might also suggest other medications to help with symptoms, such as a decongestant or an antihistamine.

Over-the-counter medications are highly effective for treating most cases of indigestion. For example, antacids help counteract excess stomach acid that causes symptoms. In more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary. Heart Icon. Speech Bubble Icon. Share Icon. Facebook Icon. LinkedIn Icon. Pinterest Icon. Pocket Icon. Share Link Icon. Copied to clipboard.

Table of Contents. Foul-smelling cough questionnaire Use our free symptom checker to find out what's causing your foul-smelling cough. Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis is destruction and widening of the large airways. Rarity: Rare Top Symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, runny nose, mucous dripping in the back of the throat Urgency: Primary care docto.

Bacterial pneumonia Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by one of several different bacteria, often Streptococcus pneumoniae. Diagnosis is made through blood tests and chest x-ray.

Rarity: Common Top Symptoms: fatigue, cough, headache, loss of appetite, shortness of breath Symptoms that always occur with bacterial pneumonia: cough Urgency: In-person visit Lung abscess A lung abscess is a large collection of pus in the tissue of the lungs that results from a bacterial infection.

Questions your doctor may ask about foul-smelling cough To diagnose this condition, your doctor would likely ask the following questions: Any fever today or during the last week? Have you experienced any nausea? Do you currently smoke? Have you been feeling more tired than usual, lethargic or fatigued despite sleeping a normal amount?

Hear what 4 others are saying. Submit story. Request sent successfully. An error occurred, please try again later. Bad taste when I cough Posted February 4, by D. I have recently changed my diet and eat lots of vegetables and fruits, I also started running once or twice every couple weeks. I haven't smoked in several months. I noticed a significant cough after running in the cold and lots of clear phlegm. Possibly unrelated has been this nasty taste in my mouth that I cannot cover up.

I admit I forgot to do my oral routine before bed a couple times, but this has never occurred in the past because of any aforementioned. It's not a comforting feeling, it just seems off.

It's been two days, now. Last month it occurred for about two to three days. Chemical taste phlegm Posted November 6, by D. I still smoke, which at times actually soothes the cough.

I have been through the rainbow with the phlegm in the past two months—started out green, then yellow, then brownish, now very thick and white.