Which nerves are generally affected if you have a loss of taste?

Most of the front part of the tongue is innervated by chordatympani which is a part of facial nerve, the back part of the tongue is innervated by glossopharyngeal nerve, whereas the palate and pharynx are innervated by vagus nerves.

Many drugs used commonly are known to cause taste alterations!

Antibiotics like Metronidazole, Clarithromycin, and blood pressure lowering agents like Ramipril, Enalapril or Telmisartan or Olmisartan can cause changes in taste. The commonly used drug Metformin for diabetes can cause a metallic taste. Cholesterol-lowering drugs like Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin can cause alterations in taste. There are many other drugs that interfere with taste perception.

What are the treatment options for loss of taste?

This depends on the exact cause of the loss of taste. Simple supplements like iron, B12, or Zinc may be sufficient. If due to medication, switching over to another medication may be useful. Management of kidney and liver disorders may also help. Avoiding tobacco and smoking would also help. Good dental hygiene is always useful. Management of acid reflux, modifications in diet, and drinking plenty of water help. After radiation or in certain arthritis the mouth remains dry and certain sprays are available to manage this condition.

Can certain neurological conditions alter taste perception?

Diabetes mullites can affect nerve function including taste. Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease can alter taste perception. Some viral infectious of the nerves that are responsible for taste perception can cause loss of taste sensations. Most of them are reversible.

Can disorders of major systems lead to taste alterations?

Diabetes can affect taste in many individuals due to nerve involvement. Chronic kidney disease and liver disease besides lowering the appetite can also lead to taste disturbances.

What are the symptoms of altered taste?

Generally, food that has lost its characteristic sweetness or saltiness. Food that used to taste good now tastes bad or rotten or sour. Food tastes metallic. Some taste is present in the mouth without eating anything.

Author: Dr Jay Deshmukh

Dr Jay Deshmukh is Chief Physician and Director, Sunflower Hospital, Nagpur Honorary Physician to Honorable Governor of Maharashtra and PondicherryCentral. Dr Jay Deshmukh is an M.B.B.S., M.C.P.S., F.C.P.S., M.N.A.M.S., MD From Internal Medicine – Bombay and New Delhi.