Ageusia refers to a condition wherein the tongue loses its sense of detecting different tastes, such as sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami – a pleasant tangy taste.
Ageusia can affect people of all ages, but is most common in those above the age of 50.
The recent coronavirus pandemic has also listed loss of sense of taste in some cases of patients who have tested positive for the coronavirus disease.
Ageusia is not a life-threatening condition, but once symptoms are recognized, prompt medical treatment is required, to ensure complete recovery of the patient.
Both taste and smell disorders are diagnosed by an otolaryngologist, a doctor of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. An otolaryngologist can determine the extent of your taste disorder by measuring the lowest concentration of a taste quality that you can detect or recognize. You may also be asked to compare the tastes of different substances or to note how the intensity of a taste grows when a substance’s concentration is increased.
Treating the underlying condition that causes your impaired sense of taste can help restore your taste. Bacterial sinusitis, salivary glands, and throat infections can be treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms of colds, flu, and allergic rhinitis that impact taste may be relieved with decongestants or antihistamines. Once you are feeling better, your sense of taste will most likely return quickly.
Credit : Netmeds.com
Picture Credit : Google
