Many possible reasons can lead to loss of taste in elderly and younger adults, such as cold, flu, COVID-19, new medication, and dental issues. Taste is one of the most complicated senses that involves many tissues and organs, like the roof of the mouth, tongue, nose, and throat. Wondering how your nose can impact the sense of taste? This is because smell can influence taste.
The loss of sense of taste might differ, as there are two types. One is a partial loss of taste, and the other is a complete loss of taste. A loss of sense of taste might occur because of many conditions, such as infection, alterations in the taste buds, and the nervous system.
Treatments for a lost sense of taste usually depend on finding the root cause of the condition. This blog will discuss how this condition occurs in a person and how it is treated.
What Is Loss Of Taste Or Ageusia?
Ageusia is defined as the complete loss of the sense of taste. This is a rare condition and only occurs in 1 or 2 in every 1000 individuals. This condition might be a sign of various medical disorders. Aging and taste are closely interconnected, as differences in taste perception usually occur when one starts to get older. Loss of taste might not be a life-threatening condition, but it could result in
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained loss of weight
- Damaged immune system
- Malnutrition
- The need to discontinue certain medications
- In advanced cases, depression.
What Is The Cause Of Loss Of Taste?
Many factors could lead to loss of taste, like aging and smoking. Do you know that a person has over 10,000 taste buds? According to recent research, the number of taste buds decreases as you age. The remaining taste buds will also start to contract.
Sensitivity to tastes will automatically occur after reaching the age of 60. You may also experience dry mouth because your mouth will only produce reduced amounts of saliva as you start to age. Dryness in the mouth also impacts the sense of taste. Usually, elderly taste and smell problems are linked to reduced salvia production and age-related changes.
Mostly, people will experience loss of taste after an injury or illness, but some people might be born with it. The most common reasons for loss of taste are
- The common cold and flu
- Nasal and salivary gland infections
- Poor oral hygiene and dental issues
- Pharyngitis and strep throat
- Upper respiratory and middle ear infections
- Consuming certain medications
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Head injuries
- Wisdom tooth removal
- Radiation therapy to treat cancers in the neck and head
- Some ENT surgeries.
According to recent research, people who think they have lost their sense of taste might also lose their sense of smell. Chewing foods release an aroma that triggers the sense of smell through a channel that links the roof of your mouth to the nose. If that channel is blocked, smells cannot reach your nose, resulting in a loss of sense of taste in your mouth.
Do Your Taste Buds Change As You Age?
Adults typically have about 10,000 taste buds, especially on the tongue. Every single small bump has a group of cells that are specifically responsible for identifying tastes in the food you eat, such as salty, bitter, spicy, sweet, and sour. Your sense of taste will alert you to enjoy your food, and at the same time, it also helps detect food that is not safe to consume.
Taste buds and aging can affect how you experience flavors in your food. Losing the sensation of flavors could have a notable effect on your wellness. If the food does not taste good, most people will usually add more salt or sugar to enhance the taste. Doing so can cause diabetes and high blood pressure. If the food still does not taste good, it will eventually lead to malnutrition and weight loss in elderly people.
Try to add herbs, spices, and different color vegetables to your food to make it more appealing and tasty. If the taste loss persists or the taste is completely lost, then you must visit the best ENT hospital in Coimbatore for proper evaluation and care.
How Is Ageusia Treated?
1. Identify The Cause: Treatment depends on what’s triggering the loss of taste. If it’s due to a cold, flu, or sinus infection, taste usually returns after recovery.
2. Maintain Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups help prevent infections and restore normal taste function.
3. Medication Adjustment: If certain medicines are responsible, a doctor may change the dosage or prescribe an alternative.
4. Manage Dry Mouth: Stay well-hydrated. Use saliva substitutes or chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow.
5. Address Nutrient Deficiencies: Supplements such as zinc or vitamin B12 may be recommended if a deficiency is identified.
6. Avoid Harmful Habits: Reducing or quitting smoking and alcohol supports the recovery of taste buds.
7. Seek Professional Help: If the loss is linked to nerve damage or radiation therapy, medical treatment and patience are needed for recovery. Consulting the best ENT doctor in Coimbatore can help identify the exact cause and suggest appropriate treatment.
Sudden or complete taste loss, especially with dizziness, facial weakness, or speech issues, requires immediate medical attention to rule out neurological causes.
Takeaway
Loss of taste is quite common, especially with aging, and can impact both nutrition and overall well-being. Identifying the underlying cause early is the key to proper treatment and recovery. Simple steps like maintaining oral hygiene, staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, and avoiding smoking can help preserve your sense of taste.
If the condition persists or worsens, consulting an ENT specialist is essential. Protecting your taste buds not only enhances your meals but also supports your overall health and quality of life.
