Taste impairment means there is a problem with your ability to taste something. Problems range from distorted taste to a complete loss of taste. However, a complete loss of taste is rare.
Alternative Names:
Loss of taste; Metallic taste; Dysgeusia
Considerations:
The tongue can detect only sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes. Much of what is perceived as "taste" is actually smell. Persons who have taste problems often have a smell disorder that can make it hard to identify a food's flavor. (Flavor is a combination of taste and smell.)
Taste problems can be caused by anything that interrupts the transfer of taste sensations to the brain, or by conditions that affect the way the brain interprets theses sensations.
Side effects of medicines, including antithyroid drugs, captopril, griseofulvin, lithium, penicillamine, procarbazine, rifampin, vinblastine, and vincristine
Follow prescribed therapy, which may include a diet modification. For the common cold or flu, taste senses should return to normal after the illness has past. For smokers, stop smoking.
Review Date: 2/12/2007
Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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General ENT
