Dysgeusia or Lossing Sense of Taste

Mouth | Otorhinolaryngology | Dysgeusia or Lossing Sense of Taste (Symptom)


Description

Dysgeusia is the distortion of the sense of taste. Dysgeusia is also often associated with ageusia, which is the complete lack of taste, and hypogeusia, which is the decrease in taste sensitivity. The sensations of taste and smell are related, so many disorders of the sense of taste are associated with a decreased sense of smell. These disorders can range from obstructions in or damage to the nose to damage to the brain and nervous system in general. The most common pure taste disorder is a phantom taste sensation; this is the perception of a bad taste in the mouth that does not go away.

Causes

The alterations in the sense of taste, usually a metallic taste, and sometimes smell are the only symptoms. The duration of the symptoms of dysgeusia depends on the cause. If the alteration in the sense of taste is due to gum disease, dental plaque, a temporary medication, or a short-term condition such as a cold, the dysgeusia should disappear once the cause is removed. In some cases, if lesions are present in the taste pathway and nerves have been damaged, the dysgeusia may be permanent. Taking certain medications can also interfere with the ability to taste. Some loss of taste sensation also occurs during the normal aging process.

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