“There was a constant taste of blood in my mouth.” Russian figure skater spent 10 days in intensive care after a terrible injury

Author of the article:

Soldatova Lyudmila Nikolaevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Clinical Dentistry of the St. Petersburg Medical and Social Institute, Chief Physician of the Alfa-Dent Dental Clinic, St. Petersburg

The taste of blood in the mouth is quite common. However, this symptom should never be ignored. Of course, the reasons for its appearance can be quite harmless, for example, a slight injury to the gums or eating food from clay dishes. However, an unpleasant taste can also indicate very dangerous pathologies. Let's figure out why a metallic taste may appear in the mouth and what to do to eliminate it as soon as possible, and most importantly, remove the reasons for its appearance.

Conventionally, all the causes of a pronounced metallic taste can be divided into three groups:

• Dental problems are usually associated with increased bleeding of the gums.
• Oral injuries.
• Internal pathologies.

Taking various medications often leads to a taste of blood in the mouth.

Oral injuries

If the mucous membrane is damaged, a little blood may enter the taste buds and, accordingly, a metallic taste appears in the mouth.

The causes of mucosal injury may be:

• tartar in the mouth;
• improper dental care, for example, using a brush that is too hard;
• incorrectly installed dentures;
• incorrectly installed braces.

Often the cause of the taste of blood in the mouth is a more significant injury, such as to the esophagus or throat. For example, a strong cough often leads to mucosal injuries. After an injury, a small amount of blood enters the mouth and causes an unpleasant taste.

Causes of a metallic or bloody taste

The causes of taste are associated with the high sensitivity of taste buds to blood iron.

Diseases

The appearance of a taste of blood in the mouth after running may indeed be associated with some kind of disease. But it’s worth making a reservation right away to reassure you: if there really is a problem with the internal organs, then the taste of blood will not be the only symptom. Any disease has its own characteristic signs, which can also appear outside of sports.

Pneumonia and tuberculosis

Surely, if you have already googled the causes of a metallic taste in the mouth, you have come across scary articles about pneumonia and tuberculosis. These pathologies cause damage to the blood vessels of the lungs and the entry of red blood cells into the oral cavity. But do not forget that they are accompanied by fever, cough, shortness of breath, general weakness, sputum discharge and other symptoms.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

The mucous membrane of the stomach and esophagus, which is affected by acidic gastric juice, can also be a source of red blood cells and cause a taste of blood in the mouth after running.

This symptom may occur after eating, if the diet is violated. Accompanied by abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea.

Bleeding disorders

Clotting problems can cause nosebleeds and gum bleeding when too much iron hits the taste buds.

Such bleeding episodes also appear outside of training, and the bleeding becomes difficult to stop.

Oral diseases

The oral cavity can also be a site of injury. Gingivitis, periodontitis, bacterial and candidal stomatitis - cause damage to the mucous membrane and a taste of blood in the mouth.

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Injuries

Obviously, if you bite your lip or tongue, scratch your cheek with a broken tooth, or damage your gums, blood from the wound will leak onto the oral mucosa.

The injury is accompanied by pain and high sensitivity.

Physiological reason for athletes

Why does a metallic taste appear in the mouth after running in athletes?

It's all about increasing blood pressure + the number of red blood cells:

• Intrapulmonary pressure increases, at which some red blood cells leak into the mucous membrane of the lungs and enter the oral cavity when exhaling. Jeffrey Lombeyer, MD, Dentist, says this;
• At the same time, the pressure in the gums increases, from where some of the red blood cells seep into the mucous membrane of the tongue.

In winter, the cause may be the formation of microcracks in the oral mucosa. From the wounds, blood in very small quantities reaches the taste buds.

Internal pathologies

The most common diseases of internal organs that lead to the taste of blood in the mouth include:

• bronchitis;
• pneumonia (pneumonia);
• lung abscess;
• lungs' cancer;
• cystic fibrosis;
• tuberculosis;
• dysfunction of the heart;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT);
• diseases of the ENT organs.

Neurological diseases can also cause the taste of blood in the mouth. A signal travels through the nerve fibers of the brain to the taste buds; if its transmission is disrupted, an unusual taste may appear in the mouth.

However, neurological problems accompanied by a blood taste usually have other unpleasant manifestations. For example, they may be accompanied by headaches, hearing problems, hand tremors, trembling eyelids, and lumbago in certain areas of the face.

In very rare cases, the taste of blood in the mouth is caused by heavy metal poisoning. A similar problem often awaits workers in chemical laboratories and metal processing plants. Intoxication of the body is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms - attacks of dry cough, nausea, aching limbs, swelling of the gums, and lack of appetite. Dysbacteriosis is also rarely the cause.

Diagnostics

To find out the cause of the taste of blood in the mouth, the patient is referred to a general practitioner, and if he complains of toothache, to a dentist. During the initial examination, typical etiological factors of unpleasant taste sensations are excluded, and modern imaging methods are used to clarify the diagnosis. Taking into account the probable cause of the disorder, the following studies have the greatest diagnostic value:

• Oral examination
  . Using a probe and a special mirror, the condition of the gums and oral mucosa is assessed, and the crowns of the teeth are examined in detail. To diagnose caries, vital staining with methylene blue and a cold test are performed. If suspicious ulcers and tumors are detected, a biopsy and cytological examination are indicated.
• Blood analysis
  . To exclude anemia, a general blood test is done, the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells is checked. Leukocytosis and increased ESR indicate the presence of an inflammatory process. In women, hCG levels must be measured to confirm or rule out pregnancy. If necessary, serological tests are recommended.
• Radiography
  . X-rays of the jaws are performed to detect periodontitis, granulomas and cystic formations. To exclude sinusitis, radiography of the paranasal sinuses is prescribed. If the taste of blood is combined with a sore throat or cough, a plain X-ray of the chest cavity is performed.
• Other visualization techniques
  . Endoscopy allows you to diagnose symptoms of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and esophagus, and incoordination of the lower esophageal sphincter. Targeted ultrasound of the liver is informative for identifying signs of cirrhosis. To exclude a cardiac cause of unpleasant taste, echocardiography data are indicative.

Dental diseases

The most common cause of the taste of blood in the mouth remains dental diseases and lip lesions. Diseases are easily recognized by reddish-colored saliva, inflamed oral mucosa, and the presence of ulcers and erosions.

The main dental problems that cause the taste of blood in the mouth are:

• gingivitis - inflammation of the gums;
• stomatitis - damage to the mucous membranes;
• cheilitis - lip injuries;
• periodontitis is inflammation of the periodontal tissues.

What to do if you taste blood in your mouth?

First, you should contact your dentist. The doctor will confirm or deny dental diseases, prescribe effective gum treatment or refer you to another specialist.

If the taste of blood in the mouth appears for a short time, you can eliminate it using traditional methods of treatment. For example, rinse your mouth with water and lemon juice or a water-salt solution. You can also get rid of the unpleasant taste using a chamomile solution. To prepare it, you need to pour 5 g of dried flowers into 500 ml of water and cook for 7-10 minutes in an enamel bowl. The product must be infused for an hour.

A decoction of oak bark will also help get rid of the taste of blood in your mouth. To prepare it, 10 grams of raw material should be steamed with boiling water and left for about an hour.

An effective means of treating gum inflammation and eliminating such unpleasant symptoms as the taste of blood in the mouth is ASEPTA Active mouth rinse. This combined action remedy is used for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, and also quickly relieves bleeding and inflammation of the gums. The rinse has an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, does not contain alcohol, fluorine and dyes, so it is perfect for treating even those with the most sensitive tissues.

Burning behind the sternum

Gastritis

Ulcer

Pancreatitis

33674 May 28

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.
In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. To make a diagnosis and properly prescribe treatment, you should contact your doctor. Burning sensation behind the sternum: causes of occurrence, what diseases it occurs with, diagnosis and treatment methods.

Definition

A burning sensation behind the sternum is a symptom characteristic of many diseases - this is how patients with pathologies of the cardiovascular system, spine, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, neuralgia and panic attacks describe their sensations.

In some cases, this symptom is not dangerous, but some pathological conditions require immediate medical attention.

Types of burning behind the sternum
There is no generally accepted classification of burning behind the sternum. When patients are asked about their sensations, they talk about pressing, pulling, stabbing, burning, and encircling pain.

Thus, the burning sensation is as varied as the causes that cause it.
Possible causes of burning behind the sternum
Burning in the sternum, a feeling of fullness and heaviness, especially in older people, can be a symptom of serious cardiac problems, and all of them equally require seeking medical help.

In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the burning sensation is usually diffuse, often radiating to the back. In many patients it occurs during or after eating.

Disruption of the musculoskeletal system often leads to unpleasant sensations in the chest. The burning sensation intensifies when inhaling or exhaling, and changes when changing body position.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can cause numbness in the hands and decreased sensitivity.

Neuroses and panic attacks are often accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest.

When the neuroendocrine regulation of internal organs is disrupted, patients complain of a burning sensation behind the sternum. The cause may be either insufficient maturity of the body's systems during adolescence, or previous infectious diseases, stress, bad habits, or overwork. Short-term vasospasm directly leads to the appearance of unpleasant sensations in the heart area. The attacks pass at rest and are accompanied by weakness, rapid heartbeat, and cold hands due to deterioration of blood flow.

Diseases leading to a burning sensation behind the sternum

Cardiovascular pathologies:

1. Angina pectoris. Impaired blood circulation in the vessels of the heart due to atherosclerosis leads to deterioration in the nutrition of the heart muscle. During physical activity or anxiety, the heart requires more oxygen - if there is not enough oxygen, then the first signal will be discomfort in the chest area. A burning sensation, a feeling of squeezing, a tingling sensation can radiate (radiate) to the left arm, under the shoulder blade, rarely to the lower jaw, lasting no more than 15 minutes and passing with rest and after taking nitroglycerin.
2. Myocardial infarction.
   During a heart attack, a sharp disruption of the blood supply to the heart muscle occurs due to blockage of most of the lumen of the vessel supplying the heart by thrombotic masses. Most often, intense pain occurs, but a strong burning sensation in the chest may also be present. The attack lasts a long time, is not relieved by nitroglycerin, does not go away with rest, and is accompanied by shortness of breath, severe weakness, and decreased vision. Myocardial infarction is a life-threatening condition, so the patient needs urgent hospitalization.
3. A sharp rise in blood pressure may occur with a burning sensation in the chest. During a hypertensive crisis, the patient feels weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, spots appear before the eyes and tinnitus.
4. Inflammatory processes in the heart can also be manifested by a burning sensation in the chest. Typically, this condition is preceded by an infectious disease, most often of viral origin, or a severe bruise in the chest area. Unpleasant sensations can spread to the right or left side and intensify with changes in body position.
5. A very dangerous condition is pulmonary embolism.
   It occurs if blood clots are present in the vessels of the lower extremities - when they break off, they rise up the bloodstream and clog the pulmonary vessels. In addition to a burning sensation behind the sternum, the patient is bothered by severe shortness of breath, coughing (sometimes with blood), and severe cyanosis appears. In such a situation, emergency hospitalization is necessary. At risk are patients with varicose veins, smokers, and patients on the first day after surgery.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:

1. Esophageal pathology is considered perhaps the most common cause of burning in the chest. It occurs as a result of the reflux of acidic gastric contents into the esophagus, which leads to damage to its mucous membrane. A burning sensation appears after eating food (especially spicy, fatty, smoked and fried), when wearing tight belts and taking a horizontal position immediately after eating.

2. Inflammatory processes in the pancreas and gall bladder are often accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest. This symptom appears a couple of hours after eating and may be accompanied by nausea and heaviness in the stomach.

Respiratory diseases:
In case of inflammation of the bronchi or lungs (bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy), in addition to coughing and fever, the patient may be bothered by a burning sensation in the chest.

In addition, diseases characterized by a burning sensation behind the sternum include intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, intercostal myositis, and vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Which doctors should I contact if I have a burning sensation in the chest?

If a burning sensation behind the sternum is accompanied by a sharp deterioration in condition, weakness, an increase in pain, shortness of breath, coughing, or dizziness, you must immediately call an ambulance.

In other cases, you should also not postpone your visit to the doctor. Since this symptom has many causes, it is advisable to first turn to. He will prescribe examinations and, if necessary, refer to other specialists: a cardiologist; gastroenterologist; pulmonologist; neurologist.

Diagnosis and examinations for burning sensation behind the sternum

Making a diagnosis begins with a thorough history taking into account all the patient’s complaints and a physical examination.

To exclude cardiovascular pathology, first of all, a chest x-ray or CT scan of the chest and mediastinum is performed, as well as an electrocardiographic study (ECG) or echocardiography (EchoCG).

Clinical researches

The effectiveness of various ASEPTA mouth rinses has been repeatedly proven clinically.

For example, it has been clinically proven that the two-component mouth rinse ASEPTA ACTIVE more effectively combats the causes of inflammation and bleeding compared to single-component rinses - it reduces inflammation by 41% and reduces bleeding gums by 43%.

Sources:

1. The role of anti-inflammatory rinse in the treatment of periodontal diseases (L.Yu. Orekhova, A.A. Leontyev, S.B. Ulitovsky) L.Yu. OREKHOVA, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof., Head of Department; A.A. LEONTIEV, dentist; S.B. ULITOVSKY, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof. Department of Therapeutic Dentistry of St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. acad. I. P. Pavlova
2. The effectiveness of the use of Asept “adhesive balm” and Asept “gel with propolis” in the treatment of chronic generalized periodontitis and gingivitis in the acute stage (Municipal Dental Clinic No. 4, Bryansk, Kaminskaya T. M. Head of the therapeutic department Kaminskaya Tatyana Mikhailovna MUZ City Dental Clinic No. 4, Bryansk
3. The effectiveness of complex therapy in the treatment of periodontal diseases. (Department of Periodontology of the SF State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education MGMSUIM.A.I. Evdokimova. Moscow.) Nemeryuk D.A. - Associate Professor, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Dikinova B.S. - Postgraduate Student of the Department of Periodontology of the SF Tsargasova M.O. - Postgraduate Student of the Department periodontology SF Yashkova V.V. - postgraduate student of the Department of Periodontology of the SF Department of Periodontology of the SF State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education MGMSUIM.A.I.Evdokimova. Moscow