Differential Diagnosis for Constant Salty Taste in Mouth
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, which can cause a constant salty or sour taste in the mouth. The stomach acid can irritate the taste buds, leading to an abnormal sensation of taste.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause a salty or metallic taste in the mouth due to the drainage of mucus and pus into the oral cavity.
- Oral infections (e.g., periodontal disease, dental abscess): Bacterial infections in the mouth can produce volatile sulfur compounds, which can give a salty or metallic taste.
- Medication side effects (e.g., antihistamines, decongestants): Certain medications can alter taste perception, leading to a constant salty taste.
- Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, menopause): Fluctuations in hormone levels can affect taste sensation, resulting in a salty taste.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause dry mouth and altered taste sensation, including a salty taste. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as tooth decay and oral infections.
- Thyroid disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism): Abnormal thyroid function can affect taste sensation, and untreated thyroid disorders can lead to serious health complications.
- Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, stroke): Certain neurological conditions can damage the taste pathways, leading to abnormal taste sensations, including a salty taste.
- Rare diagnoses
- Adrenal insufficiency: A rare condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, leading to a range of symptoms, including altered taste sensation.
- Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause salty sweat and, in some cases, a salty taste in the mouth due to the abnormal transport of ions.
- Taste disorders (e.g., dysgeusia): Rare conditions that affect the sense of taste, resulting in abnormal taste sensations, including a constant salty taste.