Author: Nia Rouseberg
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
People who suffer from such a disease can not distinguish sweet from salty, sour from bitter.
Ageusia means loss of taste functions of the tongue. People who suffer from such a disease can not distinguish sweet from salty, sour from bitter.
Patients often confuse ageusia with anosmia - loss of sense of smell, as the taste of what we eat is perceived more by its aroma.
When we chew or drink, molecules are released that stimulate special sensory cells in the mouth, the so-called taste cells . They are grouped within the taste buds of the tongue and when activated, send signals to the taste buds in the brain.
If there are any obstacles or disturbances in the "chain", there is a risk of a taste disorder, including ageusia.
Ageusia is a type of taste disorder, but in its true form it is very rare. Its varieties are more common.
In hypoageusia the patient has a partial loss of taste, and in dysgeusia - a feeling of metallic taste in the mouth , accompanied by burning on the tongue. As you get older, your risk of developing one of the ailments increases.
Loss of taste can create serious health problems. Distorted feelings can be a risk factor for cardiovascular problems , diabetes and other diseases that require adherence to a certain diet.
In such a disorder, a person usually changes his eating habits. Some people may eat too little and lose weight, while others may eat too much and gain weight.
Loss of taste can force us to eat too much sugar or salt. And in more severe cases, this condition can even lead to depression.
Ageusia and its varieties are especially dangerous for people allergic to certain products and substances. If the patient does not see the allergen in the dish and tastes it, he will not be able to distinguish the taste of the life-threatening ingredient .
Sometimes the disease is a symptom of Parkinson 's or Alzheimer's disease , as well as Bell's palsy. The most common cause, however, is tissue damage to the nerves that touch the tongue.
If you suspect that you have a taste disorder, visit an ENT specialist . He will order tests for you, and will seek the opinion of a dentist. Patients usually undergo several saliva tests.
In addition, certain substances are placed on the tongue to check the functionality of taste buds.
The treatment of ageusia is similar to that of anosmia. A change in diet and taking certain medications can gradually restore the taste of food. Rarely, only in more serious cases, is surgery performed.