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| Meta Title | Lost sense of taste: Causes and treatments |
| Meta Description | A lost sense of taste is a common symptom, with possible causes ranging from a simple cold to a head injury. Learn more about the causes and treatment of a loss of taste here. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Many possible causes may lead to a loss of taste, including new medications, dental problems, cold or flu, and COVID-19. The type of treatment will depend on the underlying cause of a lost sense of taste.
Taste is a complex sense involving many organs and tissues, such as the tongue, roof of the mouth, throat, and nose. This is why smell can affect taste.
The medical term for a complete loss of taste is ageusia, while loss of smell is
anosmia
. A lost sense of taste may refer to a partial or total loss of taste. A loss or alteration in taste can occur due to many different conditions, such as those that affect the taste organs, nervous system, or infection.
This article discusses the possible reasons a person may experience a lost sense of taste and how doctors diagnose and treat the underlying issues.
Taste disorders are not uncommon – more than
200,000 people
in the United States visit the doctor each year to report difficulty tasting or smelling. Some experts estimate that 5% of Americans described dysgeusia, and almost
1 in 5
Americans over 40 reported some alteration in their sense of taste.
The most
common taste disorder
is phantom taste perception. A person with this disorder will have a strong, lingering taste in their mouth, even when it is empty. The taste is often unpleasant and may overpower the taste of other foods while they eat. The taste may also occur alongside a persistent burning sensation in the person’s mouth.
There are three types of phantom taste perception:
Ageusia
Ageusia is a rare condition in which a person has a complete loss of taste function. Total ageusia occurs in approximately
1 to 2 people in every 1,000
and is more common as people age. In many cases people will experience a partial loss of taste rather than total.
Hypogeusia
Hypogeusia is the term for a partial loss of one type of taste. A person with hypogeusia may be unable to detect one of the key tastes:
bitterness
sourness
saltiness
sweetness
umami, which is a pleasant, savory taste
Dysgeusia
Dysgeusia
causes a persistent taste in the mouth that can mask other tastes and make all foods taste the same. People with dysgeusia often say that the taste has particular characteristics, describing it as:
foul
rancid
sour
salty
metallic
Underlying causes
Taste disorders are typically due to soft tissue, and nerve damage to the tongue. Possible causes of taste disorders and a loss of taste
can include
:
upper respiratory infections
, such as the
common cold
COVID-19
sinus infections
middle ear infections
poor oral hygiene and dental problems, such as
gingivitis
exposure to some chemicals, such as insecticides
surgeries on the mouth, throat, nose, or ear
head injuries
radiation therapy
for
cancer
in this area of the body
Some medications may also affect a person’s ability to taste. These drugs can include:
antibiotics
antihistamines
chemotherapy drugs
proton pump inhibitors
protein kinase inhibitors
Smell
Impairments to a person’s sense of smell will also affect their ability to taste. Factors that may impact a person’s smell
include
:
aging
smoking
growths in the nasal cavities
conditions that affect the nervous system, such as
Alzheimer’s disease
or
Parkinson’s disease
physical trauma
infections
congenital anosmia – an inability to smell from birth
Specialists called
otolaryngologists
can diagnose and treat both smell and taste disorders. These doctors specialize in disorders that affect the ear, nose, and throat and conditions relating to the head and neck.
The doctor may look for growths in the mouth or nose, check a person’s breathing, and search for other signs of infection. They will also review the individual’s medical history and ask about any drug use and possible exposure to toxic chemicals.
The doctor will also want to examine a person’s mouth and teeth to check for signs of disease and
inflammation
.
To help diagnose the loss of taste, the doctor might apply certain chemicals directly to the individual’s tongue or add them to a solution that they then swish in their mouth.
A person’s response to these chemicals may help identify the affected aspect of taste. Imaging tests are also a consideration if loss of taste is thought to be secondary to loss of smell.
The underlying condition causing the lost sense of taste will determine the treatment options. In simple cases, such as those resulting from the common cold or
flu
, doctors will usually wait until the infection subsides. Most people’s sense of taste should return once the illness goes away.
However, respiratory infections can have longer-lasting symptoms. For example,
evidence
suggests that smell and taste problems may persist following SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in cases of
long COVID
.
While research is still unclear, if a person experiences
post-viral olfactory dysfunction
or smell and taste problems after a viral infection, a doctor
may consider
using olfactory training and topical corticosteroids. Plasma-rich protein therapy is also an emerging therapy option.
For those with bacterial infections, such as sinus or middle ear infections, doctors may recommend antibiotics.
Treatment for more serious issues, such as nervous system disorders or head injuries, will require an individualized treatment plan.
In many cases, a person can take small steps at home to help improve their sense of taste, including:
quitting smoking
improving dental hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using a medicated mouthwash daily
using over-the-counter antihistamines or vaporizers to reduce inflammation in the nose
It may not always be possible to prevent a loss of taste, and in some cases, it may be the result of underlying conditions that require medical treatment. However, people can try to reduce the risk of ageusia resulting from infections by trying the following tips:
eating a healthy diet and maintaining hydration
getting plenty of rest
practicing good hand washing technique
wearing a face covering in public
managing stress
Ageusia is the medical term for a complete loss of taste. A partial or full loss of the sense of taste can occur for many reasons, such as problems in the mouth or nose. In many cases, the cause is temporary, such as an infection that inflames the nasal passages.
Treating the underlying condition should make the symptoms go away. Some underlying causes, such as chemical exposure, Alzheimer’s disease, and aging, may cause a permanent loss of taste. A person needs to work closely with a doctor to identify and treat the underlying issue. |
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# Loss of taste: Causes and treatments
[Medically reviewed]() by [Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP]() — Written by [Jon Johnson]() — [Updated on June 11, 2024]()
- [Causes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325281#causes)
- [Diagnosis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325281#diagnosis)
- [Treatment](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325281#treatment)
- [Home remedies](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325281#home-remedies)
- [Prevention](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325281#prevention)
- [Summary](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325281#summary)
Many possible causes may lead to a loss of taste, including new medications, dental problems, cold or flu, and COVID-19. The type of treatment will depend on the underlying cause of a lost sense of taste.
Taste is a complex sense involving many organs and tissues, such as the tongue, roof of the mouth, throat, and nose. This is why smell can affect taste.
The medical term for a complete loss of taste is ageusia, while loss of smell is [anosmia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-anosmia). A lost sense of taste may refer to a partial or total loss of taste. A loss or alteration in taste can occur due to many different conditions, such as those that affect the taste organs, nervous system, or infection.
This article discusses the possible reasons a person may experience a lost sense of taste and how doctors diagnose and treat the underlying issues.
## [Causes]()
[Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F325281&media=https%3A%2F%2Fpost.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2021%2F11%2Ftaste-licking-Lollipop-header-1024x575.jpg&description=Lost%20sense%20of%20taste%3A%20Causes%20and%20treatments "Share on Pinterest")
Guille Faingold/Getty Images
Taste disorders are not uncommon – more than [200,000 people](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taste-disorders) in the United States visit the doctor each year to report difficulty tasting or smelling. Some experts estimate that 5% of Americans described dysgeusia, and almost [1 in 5](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-taste-smell) Americans over 40 reported some alteration in their sense of taste.
The most [common taste disorder](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taste-disorders) is phantom taste perception. A person with this disorder will have a strong, lingering taste in their mouth, even when it is empty. The taste is often unpleasant and may overpower the taste of other foods while they eat. The taste may also occur alongside a persistent burning sensation in the person’s mouth.
There are three types of phantom taste perception:
### Ageusia
Ageusia is a rare condition in which a person has a complete loss of taste function. Total ageusia occurs in approximately [1 to 2 people in every 1,000](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549775/)and is more common as people age. In many cases people will experience a partial loss of taste rather than total.
### Hypogeusia
Hypogeusia is the term for a partial loss of one type of taste. A person with hypogeusia may be unable to detect one of the key tastes:
- bitterness
- sourness
- saltiness
- sweetness
- umami, which is a pleasant, savory taste
### Dysgeusia
[Dysgeusia](https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/dysgeusia/) causes a persistent taste in the mouth that can mask other tastes and make all foods taste the same. People with dysgeusia often say that the taste has particular characteristics, describing it as:
- foul
- rancid
- sour
- salty
- metallic
### Underlying causes
Taste disorders are typically due to soft tissue, and nerve damage to the tongue. Possible causes of taste disorders and a loss of taste [can include](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taste-disorders):
- [upper respiratory infections](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323886), such as the [common cold](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166606)
- [COVID-19](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/live-updates-coronavirus-covid-19#1)
- [sinus infections](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/149941)
- [middle ear infections](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319788)
- poor oral hygiene and dental problems, such as [gingivitis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/241721.php "Causes and treatment of gingivitis")
- exposure to some chemicals, such as insecticides
- surgeries on the mouth, throat, nose, or ear
- head injuries
- [radiation therapy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158513.php "What to know about radiation therapy?") for [cancer](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/cancer-oncology/ "What is Cancer?") in this area of the body
Some medications may also affect a person’s ability to taste. These drugs can include:
- [antibiotics](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10278)
- [antihistamines](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/antihistamines)
- [chemotherapy drugs](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chemotherapy)
- [proton pump inhibitors](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/proton-pump-inhibitors)
- protein kinase inhibitors
### Smell
Impairments to a person’s sense of smell will also affect their ability to taste. Factors that may impact a person’s smell [include](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/smell-disorders):
- aging
- smoking
- growths in the nasal cavities
- conditions that affect the nervous system, such as [Alzheimer’s disease](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159442.php "What's to know about Alzheimer's disease?") or [Parkinson’s disease](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323396)
- physical trauma
- infections
- congenital anosmia – an inability to smell from birth
[Learn more about loss of taste and smell due to COVID-19 here.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/covid-19-and-loss-of-taste)
## [Diagnosis]()
Specialists called [otolaryngologists](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287230) can diagnose and treat both smell and taste disorders. These doctors specialize in disorders that affect the ear, nose, and throat and conditions relating to the head and neck.
The doctor may look for growths in the mouth or nose, check a person’s breathing, and search for other signs of infection. They will also review the individual’s medical history and ask about any drug use and possible exposure to toxic chemicals.
The doctor will also want to examine a person’s mouth and teeth to check for signs of disease and [inflammation](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php "Everything you need to know about inflammation").
To help diagnose the loss of taste, the doctor might apply certain chemicals directly to the individual’s tongue or add them to a solution that they then swish in their mouth.
A person’s response to these chemicals may help identify the affected aspect of taste. Imaging tests are also a consideration if loss of taste is thought to be secondary to loss of smell.
## [Treatment]()
The underlying condition causing the lost sense of taste will determine the treatment options. In simple cases, such as those resulting from the common cold or [flu](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107.php "All you need to know about flu"), doctors will usually wait until the infection subsides. Most people’s sense of taste should return once the illness goes away.
However, respiratory infections can have longer-lasting symptoms. For example, [evidence](https://www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/managing-the-effects/effects-on-your-body/taste-and-smell/) suggests that smell and taste problems may persist following SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in cases of [long COVID](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/long-covid).
While research is still unclear, if a person experiences [post-viral olfactory dysfunction](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alr.22624) or smell and taste problems after a viral infection, a doctor [may consider](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2767779) using olfactory training and topical corticosteroids. Plasma-rich protein therapy is also an emerging therapy option.
For those with bacterial infections, such as sinus or middle ear infections, doctors may recommend antibiotics.
Treatment for more serious issues, such as nervous system disorders or head injuries, will require an individualized treatment plan.
## [Home remedies]()
In many cases, a person can take small steps at home to help improve their sense of taste, including:
- [quitting smoking](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/241302.php "Ten tips for giving up smoking")
- improving dental hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using a medicated mouthwash daily
- using over-the-counter antihistamines or vaporizers to reduce inflammation in the nose
## [Prevention]()
It may not always be possible to prevent a loss of taste, and in some cases, it may be the result of underlying conditions that require medical treatment. However, people can try to reduce the risk of ageusia resulting from infections by trying the following tips:
- eating a healthy diet and maintaining hydration
- getting plenty of rest
- practicing good hand washing technique
- wearing a face covering in public
- managing stress
## [Summary]()
Ageusia is the medical term for a complete loss of taste. A partial or full loss of the sense of taste can occur for many reasons, such as problems in the mouth or nose. In many cases, the cause is temporary, such as an infection that inflames the nasal passages.
Treating the underlying condition should make the symptoms go away. Some underlying causes, such as chemical exposure, Alzheimer’s disease, and aging, may cause a permanent loss of taste. A person needs to work closely with a doctor to identify and treat the underlying issue.
- [Ear, Nose, and Throat](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/ent)
- [Neurology / Neuroscience](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/neurology)
### How we reviewed this article:
Sources
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/process).
- How does our sense of taste work? (2023).
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279408>
- Hura N, et al. (2020). Treatment of post-viral olfactory dysfunction: An evidence-based review with recommendations.
<https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alr.22624>
- Levy JM, et al. (2020). Treatment recommendations for persistent smell and taste dysfunction following COVID-19—The coming deluge.
<https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2767779>
- Payne T, et al. (2023). Gustatory testing.
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567734>
- Quick statistics about taste and smell. (2024).
<https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-taste-smell>
- Rathee M, et al. (2023). Ageusia.
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549775>
- Smell disorders. (2023).
<https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/smell-disorders>
- Taste disorders. (2023).
<https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taste-disorders>
Share this article
[Medically reviewed]() by [Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP]() — Written by [Jon Johnson]() — [Updated on June 11, 2024]()
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| Readable Markdown | Many possible causes may lead to a loss of taste, including new medications, dental problems, cold or flu, and COVID-19. The type of treatment will depend on the underlying cause of a lost sense of taste.
Taste is a complex sense involving many organs and tissues, such as the tongue, roof of the mouth, throat, and nose. This is why smell can affect taste.
The medical term for a complete loss of taste is ageusia, while loss of smell is [anosmia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-anosmia). A lost sense of taste may refer to a partial or total loss of taste. A loss or alteration in taste can occur due to many different conditions, such as those that affect the taste organs, nervous system, or infection.
This article discusses the possible reasons a person may experience a lost sense of taste and how doctors diagnose and treat the underlying issues.
Taste disorders are not uncommon – more than [200,000 people](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taste-disorders) in the United States visit the doctor each year to report difficulty tasting or smelling. Some experts estimate that 5% of Americans described dysgeusia, and almost [1 in 5](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-taste-smell) Americans over 40 reported some alteration in their sense of taste.
The most [common taste disorder](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taste-disorders) is phantom taste perception. A person with this disorder will have a strong, lingering taste in their mouth, even when it is empty. The taste is often unpleasant and may overpower the taste of other foods while they eat. The taste may also occur alongside a persistent burning sensation in the person’s mouth.
There are three types of phantom taste perception:
Ageusia
Ageusia is a rare condition in which a person has a complete loss of taste function. Total ageusia occurs in approximately [1 to 2 people in every 1,000](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549775/)and is more common as people age. In many cases people will experience a partial loss of taste rather than total.
Hypogeusia
Hypogeusia is the term for a partial loss of one type of taste. A person with hypogeusia may be unable to detect one of the key tastes:
- bitterness
- sourness
- saltiness
- sweetness
- umami, which is a pleasant, savory taste
Dysgeusia
[Dysgeusia](https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/dysgeusia/) causes a persistent taste in the mouth that can mask other tastes and make all foods taste the same. People with dysgeusia often say that the taste has particular characteristics, describing it as:
- foul
- rancid
- sour
- salty
- metallic
Underlying causes
Taste disorders are typically due to soft tissue, and nerve damage to the tongue. Possible causes of taste disorders and a loss of taste [can include](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taste-disorders):
- [upper respiratory infections](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323886), such as the [common cold](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166606)
- [COVID-19](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/live-updates-coronavirus-covid-19#1)
- [sinus infections](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/149941)
- [middle ear infections](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319788)
- poor oral hygiene and dental problems, such as [gingivitis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/241721.php "Causes and treatment of gingivitis")
- exposure to some chemicals, such as insecticides
- surgeries on the mouth, throat, nose, or ear
- head injuries
- [radiation therapy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158513.php "What to know about radiation therapy?") for [cancer](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/cancer-oncology/ "What is Cancer?") in this area of the body
Some medications may also affect a person’s ability to taste. These drugs can include:
- [antibiotics](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10278)
- [antihistamines](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/antihistamines)
- [chemotherapy drugs](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chemotherapy)
- [proton pump inhibitors](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/proton-pump-inhibitors)
- protein kinase inhibitors
Smell
Impairments to a person’s sense of smell will also affect their ability to taste. Factors that may impact a person’s smell [include](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/smell-disorders):
- aging
- smoking
- growths in the nasal cavities
- conditions that affect the nervous system, such as [Alzheimer’s disease](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159442.php "What's to know about Alzheimer's disease?") or [Parkinson’s disease](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323396)
- physical trauma
- infections
- congenital anosmia – an inability to smell from birth
Specialists called [otolaryngologists](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287230) can diagnose and treat both smell and taste disorders. These doctors specialize in disorders that affect the ear, nose, and throat and conditions relating to the head and neck.
The doctor may look for growths in the mouth or nose, check a person’s breathing, and search for other signs of infection. They will also review the individual’s medical history and ask about any drug use and possible exposure to toxic chemicals.
The doctor will also want to examine a person’s mouth and teeth to check for signs of disease and [inflammation](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php "Everything you need to know about inflammation").
To help diagnose the loss of taste, the doctor might apply certain chemicals directly to the individual’s tongue or add them to a solution that they then swish in their mouth.
A person’s response to these chemicals may help identify the affected aspect of taste. Imaging tests are also a consideration if loss of taste is thought to be secondary to loss of smell.
The underlying condition causing the lost sense of taste will determine the treatment options. In simple cases, such as those resulting from the common cold or [flu](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107.php "All you need to know about flu"), doctors will usually wait until the infection subsides. Most people’s sense of taste should return once the illness goes away.
However, respiratory infections can have longer-lasting symptoms. For example, [evidence](https://www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/managing-the-effects/effects-on-your-body/taste-and-smell/) suggests that smell and taste problems may persist following SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in cases of [long COVID](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/long-covid).
While research is still unclear, if a person experiences [post-viral olfactory dysfunction](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alr.22624) or smell and taste problems after a viral infection, a doctor [may consider](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2767779) using olfactory training and topical corticosteroids. Plasma-rich protein therapy is also an emerging therapy option.
For those with bacterial infections, such as sinus or middle ear infections, doctors may recommend antibiotics.
Treatment for more serious issues, such as nervous system disorders or head injuries, will require an individualized treatment plan.
In many cases, a person can take small steps at home to help improve their sense of taste, including:
- [quitting smoking](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/241302.php "Ten tips for giving up smoking")
- improving dental hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using a medicated mouthwash daily
- using over-the-counter antihistamines or vaporizers to reduce inflammation in the nose
It may not always be possible to prevent a loss of taste, and in some cases, it may be the result of underlying conditions that require medical treatment. However, people can try to reduce the risk of ageusia resulting from infections by trying the following tips:
- eating a healthy diet and maintaining hydration
- getting plenty of rest
- practicing good hand washing technique
- wearing a face covering in public
- managing stress
Ageusia is the medical term for a complete loss of taste. A partial or full loss of the sense of taste can occur for many reasons, such as problems in the mouth or nose. In many cases, the cause is temporary, such as an infection that inflames the nasal passages.
Treating the underlying condition should make the symptoms go away. Some underlying causes, such as chemical exposure, Alzheimer’s disease, and aging, may cause a permanent loss of taste. A person needs to work closely with a doctor to identify and treat the underlying issue. |
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