Loss of Sense of Taste (Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia, Ageusia): Check Your Symptoms and Signs With the Symptom Checker by MedicineNet.com

Loss of Taste Sensation Symptoms

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Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

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The sensations of taste and smell are related, so many disorders of the sense of taste are associated with a decreased sense of smell. These disorders can range from obstructions in or damage to the nose to damage to the brain and nervous system in general. The most common pure taste disorder is a phantom taste sensation; this is the perception of a "bad taste in the mouth" that does not go away. The decreased ability to taste certain types of foods is known medically as hypogeusia; the absence of taste entirely is termed ageusia. Dysgeusia refers to the presence of a metallic, rancid, or foul taste in the mouth. Taking certain medications can also interfere with the ability to taste. Some loss of taste sensation also occurs during the normal aging process.

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Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.

United States. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. National Institutes of Health. "Taste Disorders." July 2009. <http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/smelltaste/taste.asp>.

Terms related to Loss of Taste Sensation:

Ageusia
Bitter Taste
Dysgeusia
Hypogeusia
Loss of Sense of Taste
Metallic Taste

Causes of Loss of Taste Sensation

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