Taste and Smell Disorders
Smell Disorders
The sense of smell is something most people take for granted until it’s lost. It only then becomes apparent how such a loss can substantially impact our day to day lives.
The flavor of food is very much dependent upon our smell, and therefore not being able to smell obviates one of the great joys of living: foods still taste either salty, sour, sweet, or bitter, but chocolate is no different than vanilla, a grapefruit no different than an orange.
A loss of smell raises safety concerns related to not being able to smell a gas leak, something burning, or spoiled foods.
The sense of smell can be lost for a variety of reasons. After an appropriate history and examination that includes testing to measure the sense of smell, the reason for the loss can usually be identified. This allows a discussion regarding prognosis and the administration of any appropriate treatment.
Taste Disorders
A true taste loss is uncommon. Rather, most people who feel they have lost their taste instead have lost their ability to detect the flavor of foods, reflecting a loss of smell. Taste loss may occur after trauma, certain infections, and secondary to some medical or surgical therapies.
Many people suffer a persistent salty, bitter, metallic, or other unpleasant taste that is not necessarily associated with a taste loss. Sometimes this can be associated with a burning mouth or tongue.
For additional information:
Association for Chemoreception Sciences
University Sinus and Allergy at University Pointe
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