From the Guidelines
Changes in taste sensation can be caused by various factors, including viral infections such as COVID-19, which has been linked to anosmia and dysgeusia in several studies 1. The most common causes of dysgeusia include:
- Medications (particularly antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and antidepressants)
- Viral or bacterial infections (such as COVID-19)
- Vitamin deficiencies (especially zinc and vitamin B12) 1
- Neurological disorders
- Dental problems
- Smoking
- Aging
- Head trauma
- Medical conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and Sjögren's syndrome
Diagnosis of dysgeusia typically involves:
- A thorough medical history review
- Physical examination of the mouth and throat
- Taste testing using different flavor solutions
- Blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies or underlying conditions
- Sometimes imaging studies like MRI if a neurological cause is suspected
Treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause.
- If medication-related, switching prescriptions may help.
- For infections, appropriate antibiotics or antivirals are prescribed.
- Nutritional deficiencies are addressed with supplements (zinc supplements at 25-50mg daily for zinc deficiency) 1.
- Dental problems require proper oral hygiene and dental treatment.
- For conditions like dry mouth, artificial saliva products or medications like pilocarpine (5-10mg three times daily) may be recommended.
- If no specific cause is found, taste training exercises using different flavors can help retrain taste buds.
It is essential to note that limiting salt intake is crucial, especially for older adults, as it can help reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease 1. Most taste disturbances resolve once the underlying cause is treated, though recovery may take weeks to months depending on the severity and cause of the problem.
From the Research
Causes of Change in Taste Sensation
- The sense of taste can be altered due to various factors, including genetic and environmental factors, such as aging, exposure to chemicals, drugs, trauma, high alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, poor oral health, malnutrition, and viral upper respiratory infections 2.
- Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, can also affect the sense of taste 3.
- Additionally, some medications, including those used to treat type 2 diabetes, can have adverse effects on taste 4.
- Dental procedures, such as oral surgical procedures, can also cause nerve damage leading to taste disorders 5.
Diagnosis of Taste Disorders
- The diagnosis of taste disorders typically involves a complete examination of the cranial nerves and gustatory testing 6.
- Neurophysiological methods, such as blink reflex and masseter reflex, can be used to test trigeminofacial and trigeminotrigeminal pathways 6.
- Modern imaging methods, such as MRI and computed tomography, can help delineate the neuroanatomical structures involved in taste and their relation to the bony skull base 6.
Treatment of Taste Disorders
- Treatment of taste disorders must relate to the underlying cause 6.
- In some cases, zinc may be tried in idiopathic dysgeusia 6.
- Management strategies for taste disorders may also involve addressing underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or diabetes, and adjusting medications as needed 3, 4.
- In cases where taste disorders are caused by dental procedures, management strategies may involve treating the underlying nerve damage and providing supportive care to manage symptoms 5.