Taste Disorders

👅 Taste Disorders

Taste disorders refer to any abnormality or loss of the sense of taste (also called dysgeusia or ageusia).

🧬 Causes:

• Upper respiratory infections (cold, flu, COVID-19)
• Medications (antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, antihistamines)
• Nutritional deficiencies (zinc, vitamin B12)
• Oral infections or conditions (thrush, oral lichen planus)
• Neurological disorders (stroke, multiple sclerosis)
• Head trauma or surgery affecting taste nerves
• Smoking or alcohol use
• Aging

🩺 Symptoms:

• Reduced ability to taste (hypogeusia)
• Distorted taste (dysgeusia)
• Complete loss of taste (ageusia)
• Metallic, bitter, or unpleasant taste sensations

🔍 Diagnosis:

• Detailed medical and medication history
• Physical exam including oral cavity
• Taste testing with different flavors (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami)
• Blood tests to check nutritional status
• Imaging or neurological tests if nerve damage suspected

💊 Treatment:

• Address underlying cause (change medications, treat infections, correct deficiencies)
• Good oral hygiene
• Zinc supplements if deficient
• Avoid smoking and irritants
• In some cases, taste training therapy