Chemotherapy can also cause changes in taste on the tongue. This can lead to decreased appetite and affect overall health.
Changes in taste is actually a normal side effect of chemotherapy. This condition usually clears up on its own as patients completed the chemotherapy sessions.
The most important thing is how to cope with side effects that do not affect the patient's daily diet.
Here is how to manage change in taste due to chemotherapy.
1. First, discuss this condition with your doctor. Doctors need to document the side effects experienced by patients and would recommend any method that can be taken to reduce the change of taste complaints.
2. Do not stop eating. The body needs nutrients especially when patients are undergoing chemotherapy sessions.
Do not reduce your calorie intake, try to supplement the diet with the patient preferred food.
If the patient has a severe eating difficulties, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may prescribe vitamin supplements to meet the body's need for nutrients.
3. Pay attention to hygiene and dental health. Buy a soft toothbrush and always brush your teeth after meals and before bed.
Chemotherapy can disrupt the balance of chemicals and bacteria in the mouth. This can worsen the taste of the tongue changes.
Keep the mouth clean is a simple way to alleviate complaints on the tongue taste changes.
4. Rinse with cold water before eating. This method can be tried to improve appetite.
5. Gargle with a solution of baking soda. If rinsing with water is not a lot of help, made by mixing a solution of baking soda 1 tsp. baking soda with a cup of water.
6. Gargle with salt water. If the baking soda does not help, try to use a cup of water added a pinch of salt.
Salt water has properties similar to normal flushing fluid produced by the mouth.
If this method only works temporarily, try to repeat the rinse in the middle of a meal. It seems a hassle, but it will be worth the effort results.
7. Try a variety of foods. Patients are encouraged to try the variety of food and find which one is best suited to their tastes.
Many chemotherapy patients complain of a metallic taste. Use plastic utensils to remove the metal sensation.