Diseases

Taste Disorders (Ageusia)

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Ageusia is the loss of taste functions of the tongue, particularly the inability to detect sweetness, sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and umami (meaning "pleasant/savory taste"). It is sometimes confused with anosmia – a loss of the sense of smell.

SYMPTOMS

Ageusia is the inability to taste, particularly the loss of ability to detect sweetness,sourness, bitterness and saltiness. This particular disorder can be triggered by many factors such as nerve damage or vitamin deficiency. It can also be related to endocrine disorders and treatment side effects.

CAUSES

Deficiency of vitamin b3 (niacin) and zinc can cause problems with the endocrine system, which may cause taste loss or alteration. Disorders of the endocrine system, such as cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus, can cause similar problems.