The medical term ageusia refers to a totalloss of the sense of taste.
Its brought on by health conditions like infections or nutrition deficiencies, or as a side effect of medications.
It also can be a symptom ofCOVID-19.
Alona Siniehina / Getty Images
Often, the sense of taste returns after the underlying cause is treated.
Alona Siniehina / Getty Images
What Is Ageusia?
Ageusia is the total loss of your sense of taste.
Its typically because of another underlying problem.
Complete loss of taste is rare.
Changes in the sense of smell are a common symptom of the flu or colds.
The study found females were more likely than males to report taste loss.
True loss of actual taste is very rare in general and specifically rare with COVID-19.
What Treatments Are Available for Ageusia?
The treatments available for ageusia all depend on what caused the loss of taste.
In most cases, treating the underlying conditions resolves the loss of taste.
For example, ageusia because of an infection may go away after taking antibiotics.
If its a side effect of medication, your healthcare provider may need to adjust your medications.
Sometimes lifestyle changes, like smoking cessation, can help restore lost taste.
In very rare cases, your sense of taste may not come back.
Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions and treatment options.
Its an extremely rare condition and is usually a symptom coming from an underlying cause.
Causes of ageusia may include infections, injury, nerve damage, and medications.
Ageusia can lead to loss of appetite and desire for food, weight loss, and nutrient deficiencies.
Most of the time, ageusia improves when the underlying condition is treated.
Typically, ageusia is only temporary, and your sense of taste will return.
In the meantime, have a go at keep eating a healthy and nutritious diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long ageusia lasts varies.
In very rare cases, ageusia may never go away.
Ageusia is the total loss of taste, while dysgeusia is an altered sense of taste.
Often, a sense of taste will return on its own without treatment.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Taste disorders.
National Institute on Aging.How smell and taste change as you age.
Rathee M, Jain P.Ageusia.
StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
2022;47:bjac001.
