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Why Am I Suddenly Suffering From Loss Of Taste And What Does It Mean?

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Posted on Fri, 19 Nov 2021
Question: I'm suddenly suffering from a loss of taste
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Loss of taste

Detailed Answer:
Good afternoon. There are several things to consider when dealing with the symptom of loss of taste. Most commonly people have reduced or even absent taste sensations when they are obstructed in their nasal passages and sinuses. This clears up when whatever the cause of the nasal/sinus obstruction is gone.

The loss of taste is intimately tied to the loss of smell so one is out then, so is the other. It would be expected to come back when the cause of congestion is relieved.

However, other causes of loss or even CHANGE of taste having to do fairly simple problems that can be reversed involve the use of medications (particularly those for asthma such as ALBUTEROL or COPD), ZINC deficiency, and chemotherapeutic agents (especially to treat cancer). There are an estimated several hundred medications used to treat a variety of medical conditions that are known to cause DYSGEUSIA so definitely check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you might be taking medications that can cause this problem...unknowingly. Another often overlooked cause of loss or change of taste is what is known as "The diabetic Tongue" and this is the change in taste function of the tongue's papillae due to dysfunction of the nerves that subserve the taste buds.

Heavy metals accumulation and other chemical toxicities can also cause an uptick in changes in taste and smell of a patient.

Dental hygiene also contributes to changes/loss of taste as well as dental PROCEDURES. Finally, something as simple as a chronically dry mouth (corrected by frequently drinking water....or eliminating MEDICATIONS that can cause dry mouth...as well as the presence of autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Thyroid disease.

If I've provided useful and helpful information to your questions could you do me a huge favor by CLOSING THE QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback along with a 5 STAR rating? Again, many thanks for submitting your inquiry and please let me know how things turn out.

Do not forget to contact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others.

This query has utilized a total of 20 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2472 Questions

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Why Am I Suddenly Suffering From Loss Of Taste And What Does It Mean?

Brief Answer: Loss of taste Detailed Answer: Good afternoon. There are several things to consider when dealing with the symptom of loss of taste. Most commonly people have reduced or even absent taste sensations when they are obstructed in their nasal passages and sinuses. This clears up when whatever the cause of the nasal/sinus obstruction is gone. The loss of taste is intimately tied to the loss of smell so one is out then, so is the other. It would be expected to come back when the cause of congestion is relieved. However, other causes of loss or even CHANGE of taste having to do fairly simple problems that can be reversed involve the use of medications (particularly those for asthma such as ALBUTEROL or COPD), ZINC deficiency, and chemotherapeutic agents (especially to treat cancer). There are an estimated several hundred medications used to treat a variety of medical conditions that are known to cause DYSGEUSIA so definitely check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you might be taking medications that can cause this problem...unknowingly. Another often overlooked cause of loss or change of taste is what is known as "The diabetic Tongue" and this is the change in taste function of the tongue's papillae due to dysfunction of the nerves that subserve the taste buds. Heavy metals accumulation and other chemical toxicities can also cause an uptick in changes in taste and smell of a patient. Dental hygiene also contributes to changes/loss of taste as well as dental PROCEDURES. Finally, something as simple as a chronically dry mouth (corrected by frequently drinking water....or eliminating MEDICATIONS that can cause dry mouth...as well as the presence of autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Thyroid disease. If I've provided useful and helpful information to your questions could you do me a huge favor by CLOSING THE QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback along with a 5 STAR rating? Again, many thanks for submitting your inquiry and please let me know how things turn out. Do not forget to contact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others. This query has utilized a total of 20 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.