Taste Changes
Topic OverviewTaste changes may include the complete loss of taste
(ageusia), partial loss of taste (hypogeusia), a distorted sense of taste
(dysgeusia), such as a
metallic taste, or an unpleasant or revolting taste
(cacogeusia). A decrease in or loss of taste is common in older
adults. It is part of the normal aging process and may be caused by: - A decrease in the number of taste
buds.
- Changes in the way the nervous system processes the sensation
of taste. This may cause a decline in the awareness of taste.
- A
decreased amount of saliva or an increased stickiness of
saliva.
- Changes in the tongue, making it harder for flavors to
reach the taste buds.
Other factors that may cause taste change include: - A dry mouth.
- Loss of smell. Much of
what is thought of as taste is actually smell.
- Minor infections,
such as a cold or flu.
- Cigarette smoking or the use of smokeless
(spit) tobacco.
- Medicine or surgery. Medicines that commonly
distort taste include thyroid medicines, captopril, griseofulvin, lithium,
penicillamine, procarbazine, rifampin, vinblastine, and vincristine.
- Nutritional
deficiencies of zinc or vitamin
B12.
- Injury.
- Certain diseases,
such as Alzheimer's disease, Bell's palsy, hepatitis, Sjögren's syndrome, and
oral cancer.
CreditsByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Current as of:
May 7, 2017 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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