28-Year-Old with Lower Right Lobe Bacterial Pneumonia
At 28 years of age, I have recently been diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia affecting my lower right lung. While I have not lost my ability to taste or smell, I am encountering an unusual change in how I perceive flavors. Foods that I typically enjoy, such as savory dishes, brothy soups, various cheeses (excluding cottage cheese), vegetables, and sauces, now come across as overly bitter or excessively salty. Even my beloved lemons, which I would usually relish, have an overwhelmingly unpleasant bitter-sour taste. Interestingly, my previously disinterest in sweets has shifted, and now I find myself able to tolerate lighter sweet flavors, like fresh strawberries. However, heavier confections such as small pies, yogurt with fruity protein blends, and sodas or electrolyte drinks have become more appealing. Plain water, sadly, has lost its appeal unless I introduce a zero-calorie sweetener to it, as the water's minerals now taste too intense to handle. Mustard has become so unpalatable that I can't swallow it without spitting it out. This is the first time I've ever dealt with pneumonia, and I am perplexed by the changes in my taste and smell. During previous illnesses, including COVID and flu, I never experienced such symptoms. The only salty option I still find enjoyable is meat, and I constantly crave it alongside fruits. Otherwise, my appetite has diminished significantly, resulting in a loss of three pounds over the course of just over a week, compounded by gastrointestinal issues. I manage to eat a protein shake with my antibiotics when hunger strikes and make sure I stay hydrated. I wonder if these taste changes and cravings are typical for someone with pneumonia. My past experiences with the illness have only been through family members in their late 80s and 90s, who sadly did not survive.
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 9:40:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about the unusual changes in taste and smell you're experiencing alongside your pneumonia diagnosis. While pneumonia can lead to various symptoms, changes in taste perception are less commonly discussed but can occur, often influenced by factors like medications and inflammation in the body.
Main Points
- Changes in taste and smell can occur during or after infections like pneumonia.
- Your changes may stem from the infection itself, antibiotics, or even a temporary effect on your taste receptors.
- Maintaining hydration and nourishment is crucial during recovery.
Explanation
Bacterial pneumonia primarily affects your lungs, but the body’s overall inflammation, the presence of infection, and medications like antibiotics can impact other senses, including taste. This is likely why you are finding some flavors—especially bitter and salty—intense or unpleasant. Your taste buds may be temporarily altered due to the illness or how your body is responding. It's also possible that your diminished appetite and gastrointestinal issues are connected to your body's effort to heal.
It's important to be mindful of your nutritional intake during recovery to support your immune system.
Next Steps
-
Prioritize Hydration: Continue to stay hydrated. If plain water tastes too intense, consider infusing it with a slice of fruit (like berries or cucumber) for a milder flavor or use flavored water alternatives with no added sugars.
-
Adapt Your Diet: Focus on foods that you find palatable. Since you enjoy meat and fruits, ensure you incorporate these into your meals. Protein-rich foods, along with fruits for hydration and vitamins, can help sustain your strength.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your appetite and taste changes. If your symptoms worsen or you experience additional issues such as severe gastrointestinal distress or persistent loss of appetite, that may be necessary to discuss further with your healthcare provider.
-
Gentle Flavor Exploration: Experiment with milder herbs and spices in your meals, avoiding overly strong flavors. You might also try different cooking methods (like roasting or slow cooking) to enhance the natural sweetness in vegetables without overpowering tastes.
-
Nutritional Supplements: If you're struggling to meet your nutritional needs, consider a protein shake or a meal replacement that you enjoy, and try to take it regularly.
It’s good that you are aware of your body’s signals. Continue listening to your needs and focusing on gentle, nutritious food choices as you recover. Should the taste changes persist long after your pneumonia treatment, or if you have significant concerns, it may be worth exploring further options with a healthcare provider.
Related Questions
Should I Be Concerned About This Supraclavicular Lymph Node?
Subject: Inquiry About a Supraclavicular Lymph Node Age: 25, Weight: 150 lbs, Height: 6 ft Hello, I'm reaching out to get some clarity regarding a lymph node that I'm concerned about. Approximately seven weeks ago, I discovered a small, rubbery, oval-shaped lymph node located above my left collarbone. This prompted me to revisit an MRI scan I had done in 2021, where I noticed this lymph node was indeed in the same location, right in front of the jugular vein. It feels like a small pebble and is movable, especially when I raise my arm. The MRI was performed due to neck pain issues, and although the focus wasn't on lymph nodes, the analysis provided was clear with no abnormalities noted. Given that it's been seven weeks, I can't help but ponder whether I should be alarmed. If it were something serious, wouldn’t it have increased in size by now? Additionally, since it seems to have been present since 2021, could it be almost entirely non-threatening? Thanks in advance for your insights!
Severe Pain and Mobility Issues Seven Months Post Hip Surgery
In May 2025, I underwent arthroscopy on my right hip. Initially, my recovery seemed to progress well; my physiotherapist expressed satisfaction with my adherence to his guidance. However, by November 2025, while casually walking in the city center, I returned to my hotel and, after sitting for a while, stood up only to be struck by excruciating pain in my hip. This sudden discomfort made it almost impossible to stand or bear weight on my right leg. The intense pain persisted, and soon I began experiencing agonizing sensations in my groin and thigh as well. Currently, I find myself mostly confined to home due to these ongoing issues. Even the simplest positions—standing, sitting, or lying down—bring relentless pain that forces me to remain completely flat after about ten minutes. The pain I feel in my hip is sharp, while the discomfort in my groin and thigh presents more as muscular pain. I also experience a burning sensation that feels like nerve pain in my genital area, accompanied by abdominal pain that seems connected to the groin troubles. To manage this pain, I rely on tramadol and morphine. I’ve undergone an X-ray and received MRI results. The surgeon informed me that nothing abnormal has appeared in the imaging to explain the intensity of my pain. I feel utterly overwhelmed and distressed by this situation; the level of discomfort is unprecedented for me, and it's hard to accept that my MRI yielded no answers. I can’t fathom how nothing could show up, and it’s starting to panic me, as I worry about the possibility of this being my new reality. I can’t help but think something might have gone awry during the arthroscopy, since I had not encountered these issues previously. I wonder if a hairline fracture might have resulted from traction, though I'm uncertain. My surgeon has proposed performing investigative injections in the hip to assess whether the pain originates from that area, and if successful, the next step could involve a CT scan. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has had similar experiences or ideas about what could be happening. I desperately want to consider all possibilities and prepare questions for my upcoming appointment with the surgeon.
Concerns About Two Lymph Nodes in My Neck
Hello! I’m a 14-year-old guy, and I’ve been aware of two lymph nodes in my neck for a bit now. The first one is located on the lower right side, which I noticed around two and a half months ago. I can't definitively say if it has increased in size, but I can confirm it hasn’t reduced. The second lymph node appeared roughly a month ago, and I suspect it may have grown, though I'm uncertain. Each lymph node is slightly smaller than a grape, making it tricky to gauge their size accurately. Both are movable, have a soft or slightly rubbery texture, and do not cause any discomfort. Regarding the earlier node, I had it checked by a doctor about four to five weeks ago. He examined it and felt confident enough to forgo further testing, reassuring me that it was simply a lymph node. In contrast, I haven’t had the second one assessed yet, but it feels quite similar to the first. I am somewhat anxious about the possibility of these being cancerous or indicative of a serious condition. They’ve been present for a while now, and interestingly, they didn’t emerge following any illness. I would appreciate any insights or guidance you might have about my situation. Thanks!
Recovery After Pituitary Tumor Surgery
In November, my father underwent surgery for a pituitary macroadenoma, which was removed through his nasal passages. The size of the tumor was approximately 2.7 cm, causing some pressure on his optic nerve. Now, after three months, he has had an MRI scan revealing that a tumor measuring around 1 cm still remains. Fortunately, he is not experiencing any symptoms, and the tumor no longer affects his optic nerves, but it has attached to cranial nerves. The doctor has recommended that he consider radiation therapy. I am uncertain whether we should proceed with this treatment or adopt a wait-and-see approach. I would appreciate any advice from those who have had similar experiences with radiation therapy, especially considering my father's diabetic condition.
Experiencing a Complete Memory Lapse – Seeking Guidance
Hello, everyone. I've recently joined Reddit specifically to share my concerns, as I'm feeling quite overwhelmed by a situation. Please excuse any language errors since I'm a native French speaker. To summarize my situation, my father, who is 56, has been experiencing memory lapses for a couple of years now. It's generally minor things, like skipping conversations when he's preoccupied or forgetting appointments if they aren't written down. His focus seems to wane, especially if he's engaged in something else. For example, when he's using his phone or watching television, he often doesn't respond to my questions. His attention can be easily diverted during discussions. It's hard for me to witness his frustration regarding these memory issues, which naturally causes me concern. Despite this, he manages to remember to take his cholesterol medication daily without reminders, although his cholesterol levels are just slightly elevated. Interestingly, I observed him reconnect with someone he hadn't seen in many years; he recognized them instantly and recalled their name as well as various soccer scores from that day without any assistance. However, on Sunday, he expressed a troubling concern—he had no recollection of two full hours from Saturday. This severely unsettled him. I was present during that period and can vouch for his normal behavior; he engaged with his grandson, discussed our lunch, and even solved a Rubik's Cube. Although he had a few drinks, it was nothing excessive, and he doesn't smoke or engage in heavy drinking on weekends. The fact that he can't remember any of these interactions is alarming to me, even if I try to mask my own anxiety to keep him calm. There’s also the pressure from his job; he’s been feeling overwhelmed and contemplated quitting after nearly 30 years with the same company. Although he decided against quitting since he’s nearing retirement, his work-related stress has affected his sleep and caused him to skip meals due to his workload. This leads me to wonder if his recent memory and concentration issues could be stress-related. Since the memory blackout incident, I’ve been researching potential explanations, which range widely—from epilepsy to transient global amnesia, or even strokes. The thought of any serious condition is terrifying, and I can’t shake my worries, especially since it's unusual to forget two hours completely. He does have an appointment scheduled with his general practitioner on Monday, but I’m not particularly confident in their responsiveness; I often have to push several times before they take action regarding my health concerns. Since Sunday, I’ve been anxious, hoping we won’t have to wait too long for answers regarding his condition. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has experienced similar memory lapses. If so, what turned out to be the underlying cause? Thank you for your help.