What Causes Loss of Taste?

How Common Is Losing Your Sense of Taste?

Losing your sense of taste can be a frustrating and disorienting experience. The sense of taste is closely linked to the sense of smell, and when one or both are affected, it can significantly impact daily life. In this article, we will explore the common causes of losing your sense of taste, how it affects people, and what you can do to regain your sense of taste.

How Your Sense of Taste Works

Your sense of taste is related to two specialized cells: olfactory cells and gustatory cells. Olfactory cells are located high up in your nose and connect to nerves that communicate with your brain. Gustatory cells are clustered in your mouth (particularly your tongue) and your throat. As you smell and chew your food, the aroma is generated, activating your sense of smell, while the food mixed with saliva activates your taste senses.

What Causes a Loss (or Partial Loss) of Taste?

The most common taste disorder is phantom taste perception, or phantogeusia. This is a sensation of a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth while there is no actual food or scent to generate this sensation. Other taste disorders include hypogeusia (decreased ability to taste), dysgeusia (confusing the different tastes), and ageusia (complete loss of taste). Causes of taste loss can be due to a variety of factors, including:

• Acute infections, such as strep throat
• Allergies
• Smoking
• Medications
• Head injuries
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Depression
• Chronic illnesses, such as Parkinson’s disease

Temporary or Permanent Loss of Taste

Some causes of taste loss, such as a cold or a medication-related change, are temporary. However, other conditions, such as a chronic illness like Parkinson’s disease, may lead to a permanent change. Ageusia, a complete loss of taste, is rare. In most cases, your loss of taste will be temporary and does not suggest a serious problem. If your sense of taste does not return, it is essential to speak to your healthcare provider as this may point to a more significant or chronic underlying disease.

Summary

The loss of taste can occur for a variety of reasons, including a head injury, smoking, a temporary infection, or a chemical exposure. Because your sense of taste relies on your sense of smell, conditions like nasal congestion may affect taste too. In most cases, your loss of taste will be temporary and does not suggest a serious problem. If your sense of taste does not return, it is crucial to speak to your healthcare provider as this may point to a more significant or chronic underlying disease.

References

• National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders. Taste disorders.
• UT Southwestern Medical Center. 5 weird pregnancy symptoms you might not know about.
• Su N, Ching V, Grushka M. Taste disorders: A review. J Can Dent Assoc. 2013;79:d86.
• Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. COVID-19, losing one’s sense of smell and regaining it.
• Hur K, Choi JS, Zheng M, Shen J, Wrobel B. Association of alterations in smell and taste with depression in older adults. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2018;3(2):94-99. doi:10.1002/lio2.142

Additional Reading

• American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Smell and Taste.
• Kristin Hayes, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders for both adults and children.