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Recently my tongue feels like it has been burnt. I can’t even drink my morning coffee. Is this related to CKD

A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member asked a question 💭
Atlanta, GA
July 19
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MyKidneyDiseaseTeam

That burning sensation on your tongue can absolutely be connected to CKD — and it's more common than you might think. As kidney function declines, waste products build up in the blood and can leak into saliva, irritating the mouth and tongue.

A few CKD-related causes could explain what you're feeling:

- Uremia – a buildup of Show Full Answer

That burning sensation on your tongue can absolutely be connected to CKD — and it's more common than you might think. As kidney function declines, waste products build up in the blood and can leak into saliva, irritating the mouth and tongue.

A few CKD-related causes could explain what you're feeling:

- Uremia – a buildup of urea (waste) in the blood that can cause burning, metallic taste, or even a urine-like smell on the breath
- Dry mouth – reduced saliva production leaves your tongue more vulnerable to irritation and sores
- Uremic stomatitis – in some cases, high urea levels can cause a burning sensation, white coating, or painful patches on the tongue
- Medications – some CKD treatments like diuretics or immunosuppressants can contribute to mouth and tongue symptoms It's really important to mention this to your nephrologist (kidney doctor) and dentist. They can check your urea levels and rule out other causes like oral thrush, which can also affect people with CKD due to a weakened immune system.

In the meantime, some things that may help soothe your mouth:

- Sip water frequently throughout the day
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva
- Try saliva substitute products
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash made for dry mouth
- Avoid caffeine (sorry about the morning coffee! ☕) as it can worsen dry mouth

If your kidney function improves or urea levels come down — through dialysis or other treatment — tongue symptoms often improve too.

July 19
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

Dear Darcy,
I have the same issue with a metallic taste and film on my teeth after a few hours. According to my kidney dr., it can be due to a combination of medications and changes in saliva caused by the kidneys.
I was taking Cinacalcet (Sensipar) for hyperparathyroidism caused by my kidney and elevated calcium. Even the smell of the tablets was metallic.
If you want a more detailed explanation, try Googling “metallic taste in patients with CKD/with hyperPTH/with certain medications.” I prefer to rely on medical websites such as Mayo Clinic, John’s Hopkins, National Kidney Foundation, Fresenius, or DaVita Solutions.
I just scrolled down and voila! There is an article about Tongue Symptoms with Kidney Disease. See below.

July 19 (edited)
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

i have a very dry mouth and my sense of taste has been significantly altered. The change is from the CKD. There are so many spices that generate "hot" on my tongue when I know theses items are not hot. CKD has been playing around with me and my sense of taste. A perfect example is paprika. Paprika burns my mouth in the same way as some very, very hot red peppers or other spices. I have had to do taste sampling to identify what I can no longer eat. It is an a weird modification for sure.

July 19 (edited)
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

Wow!! I didn’t realize CKD had so many different issues 😞😞 My thoughts and prayers are with you ♥️♥️

July 19
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

Dot, thanks for reaching out to us.
Please let us know when you confer with your doctor and let us know if you find any relief.

This sucks I do agree. Please seek out help and answer’s. We all support you, good luck.
Fred

July 19

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