From the Guidelines
Taste disorders can be managed with zinc supplementation, as evidenced by a recent RCT showing significant differences in taste recognition tests with oral zinc sulfate 235. When considering treatment options for taste disorders, it's essential to evaluate the underlying cause and potential therapies.
- Zinc supplementation has shown promise, with a study demonstrating improved taste recognition in patients undergoing radiotherapy 235.
- Other potential treatments include vitamin B12 injections for patients with B12 deficiency, alpha lipoic acid for nerve damage, and artificial saliva products for dry mouth.
- Taste retraining therapy, which involves exposing patients to various flavors, may also help the brain relearn taste sensations.
- For cancer patients, symptom management strategies such as using plastic utensils, emphasizing umami flavors, and maintaining good oral hygiene can be beneficial 233.
- However, it's crucial to note that the evidence for these treatments is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness.
- A study on dronabinol, a cannabinoid, showed improved chemosensory perception and appetite in patients with cancer anorexia, but the evidence is inconsistent, and its use is not recommended due to potential adverse events 233.
- Another study on anamorelin, a ghrelin analogue, demonstrated improved appetite and body weight in cachectic patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, but it is not approved for clinical use 240.
- Regular dental care and avoiding smoking can help prevent some taste disorders.
- In general, treatment options should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and underlying condition, and patients should be closely monitored for any changes in their condition.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Taste Disorders
- The treatment of taste disorders can involve various modalities, including pharmacological, surgical, or physical treatments 1.
- Zinc supplements have been used to treat taste disorders, particularly in patients with zinc deficiency or idiopathic taste disorders, with some evidence suggesting improvement in taste acuity 2.
- Acupuncture has also been studied as a potential treatment for taste disorders, although the evidence is limited and inconclusive 2.
- Improving oral hygiene may also promote taste ability, and zinc supplementation may prevent and alleviate taste disorder in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy 1.
- Other interventions that have been proposed for taste function recovery include esomeprazole, L-thyroxin, bethanechol, oral glutamine, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, alpha-lipoic acid, Ginkgo biloba, artificial saliva, pilocarpine, local anesthesia, and palliative cares 1.
Management of Taste Disorders
- Accurate diagnosis of the cause of taste dysfunction is crucial for effective management 3, 4.
- A thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests is necessary to determine the underlying cause of the taste disorder 3, 4.
- Treatment should be tailored to the specific cause of the taste disorder, and may involve addressing underlying systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, or nutritional deficiencies 3.
- Oral health care providers should be aware of the possible etiologies of dysgeusia, diagnostic tools, and treatment options to provide appropriate care for patients with taste disorders 3.
Challenges in Treating Taste Disorders
- The diagnosis and treatment of taste disorders can be challenging due to the lack of widely accepted standardized techniques to assess true taste function 5.
- Confusion between smell and taste problems can also complicate the diagnosis and treatment of taste disorders 5.
- Further research is needed to find effective treatments with low adverse effects for taste disorders 1.