Taste disorder

Taste disorder is a condition that affects the sense of taste. It can be caused by various factors, including ageing, medication, and certain medical conditions. Taste disorders can be temporary or long-term, and they can affect one or more of the five basic tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami.

Types of Taste Disorders

There are several types of taste disorders, including:

• Hypogeusia: This is a reduced ability to taste things.
• Ageusia: This is the inability to taste anything.
• Dysgeusia: This is a condition where a foul, salty, rancid, or metallic taste sensation persists in the mouth.
• Phantogeusia: This is a condition where a person experiences a persistent taste of a substance that is not present.

Causes

Taste disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Ageing: As people age, their sense of taste can diminish.
• Medication: Certain medications can alter the sense of taste.
• Medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer can cause taste disorders.
• Injury: An injury to the head can cause taste disorders.
• Radiation therapy: This treatment for cancer can cause a change in the sense of taste.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a taste disorder is often done by a doctor or a dentist. They may conduct a physical examination of the mouth and ask about the person's medical history. They may also perform a "taste test," in which the person is asked to identify different tastes.

Treatment

Treatment for taste disorders depends on the cause. If the disorder is caused by medication, the doctor may change the medication. If it is caused by a medical condition, treating that condition may help. In some cases, a person may be referred to a dietitian or a speech therapist for help with eating problems.

See also

• Smell disorder
• Sensory system

Taste disorder Resources
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