Taste Disorders Health Information

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The complex process of tasting begins when tiny molecules released by the substances around us stimulate special cells in the nose, mouth, or throat. These special sensory cells transmit messages through nerves to the brain, where specific tastes are identified. Since the substances are stimulated also iin the nose, many people who have taste disorders also notice problems with their sense of smell.

Gustatory or taste cells react to food and beverages. These surface cells in the mouth send taste information to their nerve fibers. The taste cells are clustered in the taste buds of the mouth, tongue, and throat. Many of the small bumps that can be seen on the tongue contain taste buds.

We can commonly identify at least five different taste sensations: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami (the taste elicited by glutamate, which is found in chicken broth, meat extracts, and some cheeses). In the mouth, these tastes, along with texture, temperature, and the sensations from the common chemical sense, combine with odors to produce a perception of flavor. It is flavor that lets us know whether we are eating a pear or an apple. Some people are surprised to learn that flavors are recognized mainly through the sense of smell. If you hold your nose while eating chocolate you will have trouble identifying the chocolate flavor; even though you can distinguish the food's sweetness or bitterness. The distinguishing characteristic of chocolate is sensed largely by its odor, which is why it tastes different from caramel.

Types of taste disorders include:
  • Hypogeusia: Diminished sensitivity to taste. Testing may demonstrate a reduced ability to taste sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami.
  • Aguesia: Loss of the sense of taste. This is rare.
  • Dysgeusia: A persistent taste, usually unpleasant.

Causes of Taste Disorders:

Taste disorders are mainly developed after an injury or illness, however, some people are born with chemosensory disorders. Injury to the head can cause taste problems, as well as exposure to certain chemicals such as insecticides and some medicines. Other taste disorders may be the result from oral health problems and some surgeries.

Treatment for Taste Disorders:

Taste disorders can be treated. If a certain medication is the cause of the taste disorder, simply stopping or changing the medication may help resolve the problem. Sometimes there also is a possibility that recovery of the chemosenses can occur spontaneously.

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