How to relieve bitter taste in the mouth after chemotherapy

May 10, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Qi Zhirong

Introduction

A bitter taste in the mouth after chemotherapy is usually caused by chemotherapy drugs affecting the taste buds, which can be improved by eating more acidic fruits to stimulate saliva secretion. If the bitterness results from drugs irritating the gastrointestinal mucosa leading to gastric acid reflux into the mouth, medications that inhibit gastric acid secretion can help alleviate the symptom. In cases of severe bitterness, switching to alternative chemotherapy drugs may reduce drug side effects and improve symptoms.

Methods to relieve a bitter taste in the mouth after chemotherapy generally depend on identifying the underlying cause. Symptoms can usually be improved by eating acidic fruits, taking medications, or adjusting the dosage of chemotherapy drugs.具体分析如下:

1. Eating acidic fruits

If the bitter taste results from chemotherapy drugs affecting the taste buds, symptoms can generally be improved by consuming more acidic fruits such as bayberries or lemons, which stimulate saliva secretion and help alleviate the condition.

2. Medication

If gastrointestinal mucosal irritation caused by chemotherapy leads to excessive gastric acid secretion and acid reflux into the mouth, resulting in a bitter taste, symptoms can generally be improved under a doctor's guidance by using medications that suppress gastric acid production. Commonly used medications include omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated capsules, and ranitidine hydrochloride capsules.

3. Adjusting chemotherapy drug dosage

If a severe bitter taste develops after chemotherapy, leading to diminished oral taste sensation, switching to alternative chemotherapy drugs under medical supervision may help reduce drug side effects and improve symptoms.

If any discomfort occurs after chemotherapy, it is recommended to actively seek symptom management under the guidance of an oncologist to prevent other complications or adverse effects.

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