ear, nose, and throat disorders
Overview of Smell and Taste Abnormalities
Taste
Although abnormal taste sensations may be due to mental disorders, local causes should always be sought. Glossopharyngeal and facial nerve integrity can be determined by testing taste on both sides of the dorsum of the tongue with sugar, salt, vinegar (sour), andquinine(bitter). Drying of the oral mucosa caused by heavy smoking, Sjögren Syndrome , radiation therapy of the head and neck, or desquamation of the tongue can impair taste, and various medications (eg, those with anticholinergic properties, When limited to one side of the tongue (eg, in Facial Nerve Palsy ), ageusia (loss of the sense of taste) is rarely noticed. Sudden loss of taste may be an early symptom of Distortions of taste (dysgeusia) may be caused by Xerostomia or many of the same conditions that also result in loss of smell. Dysgeusia may also be caused by some medications, such as the following: Antibiotics Antiseizure medications Antidepressants Certain chemotherapy medications Diuretics Medications used to treat arthritis Thyroid medications 