Common causes of a bile taste in the mouth include bile reflux disease, dysgeusia, and various liver disorders. Bile is a greenish-yellow fluid that is produced in a person's liver to help break down fats within food. If a person experiences an unpleasant taste of bile in the mouth, there are several reasons why this may occur, most of which involve problems with the stomach or liver.
A common cause of a bile taste in the mouth is something called bile reflux disease. It is similar to acid reflux in that it causes acid to flow up the esophagus and into the back of the throat, but the pain is different. Bile reflux causes stomach pain in the upper abdominal area, and there may also be a burning sensation in the throat or chest in addition to the sour taste of bile. Nausea or vomiting may also accompany the pain. If vomiting occurs frequently, weight loss or a sore throat may become a problem.
Another cause of an unpleasant taste is acid reflux, which occurs when gastric acid travels down the esophagus. Acid reflux pain is often localized to the chest and throat of a suffering individual. Gastritis, which is a disorder of the gastric ducts, can also cause a bile taste in the mouth.
Untreated bile problems can lead to a condition called Barrett's esophagus, or Barrett's syndrome. It is characterized by abnormal cell changes in the esophagus. If someone suspects that he or she may have a bile problem, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible, as a bile taste in the mouth can be indicative of a liver problem or bile duct malfunction.
Less commonly, a biliary aftertaste can indicate a condition called dysgeusia, which is a distortion of the sense of taste. For example, a person may eat her favorite food and find that the taste is different or suddenly unpleasant. Zinc deficiency and chemotherapy sometimes also cause this condition.
Peptic ulcers or complications from gallbladder surgery can also cause gallstone tastes in a person's mouth. Ulcers are usually caused by bacteria in the gastric tract or are side effects of prescription medications. They can usually be relieved by avoiding certain foods and taking medications.
Treatment of bile reflux includes changing the diet. Eliminating onions, mint, spicy foods, fattening foods, and caffeine seem to help many people reduce symptoms. However, the best course of action is to see a doctor regarding diagnosis and treatment.