Loss of taste: what are the possible causes?

Loss of taste is a lesser known condition and yet creates a discomfort to the patient. The causes are many and extremely research these causes requires a thorough investigation and examination by the physician. Diagnosis rather difficult ...

Loss of taste (also called paragueusie) is a disorder or altered sense of taste in the taste buds, it is a less common condition that impaired olfactory function. We're talking about taste loss when the loss is total and for all tastes, a partial loss is hypoagueusie and can be selective (sweet, salty, sour and bitter).

Loss of taste is often associated with a loss of smell.

Several factors can cause a change of taste. The mechanism of the majority of these cases is related to nerve damage taste buds:

- Nerve disorders: injury glossopharyngeal nerve (tumor), facial nerve paralysis, impaired chorda tympani

- Aging

- Infections of the upper respiratory tract

- ENT infections: otitis, sinusitis, conditions of the amygdala

- Disorders or infections inside the mouth and teeth, stomatitis, dental caries, periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene, oral thrush, an infection of the tongue (thrush, candidiasis), infection of the salivary glands

- Dentures

- Smoking, alcohol (substances that alter the taste buds)

- Some treatments: antibiotics, chemotherapy or radiotherapy of the mouth or pharynx, angiotensin converting enzyme (used in the treatment of hypertension)

- Some systemic diseases: cancer (brain cancer of the mouth), diabetes, iron deficiency anemia, psychiatric problems, Sjögren's syndrome

- Some chemicals: insecticides, pesticides

- Diseases of the stomach burns the stomach, gastroesophageal reflux

- Vitamin B12 and zinc

Treatment of loss of taste is based on treating the causes: health and dental care, smoking cessation and alcohol, proper treatment of infections ...

Thus, the loss of taste is therefore a sign to many diseases. When the cause or underlying disease is diagnosed, treatment can be initiated.