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Taste - impaired

Definition:

Taste impairment means there is a problem with your ability to taste something. Problems range from distorted taste to a complete loss of taste. However, a complete loss of taste is rare.

Alternative Names:

Loss of taste; Metallic taste; Dysgeusia

Considerations:

The tongue can detect only sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes. Much of what is perceived as "taste" is actually smell. Persons who have taste problems often have a smell disorder that can make it hard to identify a food's flavor. (Flavor is a combination of taste and smell.)

Taste problems can be caused by anything that interrupts the transfer of taste sensations to the brain, or by conditions that affect the way the brain interprets theses sensations.

Common Causes:

References:

Wrobel BB. Clinical assessment of patients with smell and taste disorders. Otolaryngol Clin North Am . Dec 2004; 37(6):1127-42.

Doty RL. Effects of drugs on olfaction and taste. Otolaryngol Clin North Am . Dec 2004; 37(6):1229-54.

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