Food is very important in people’s lives, not only to give energy and nutrition. Hence, it can make every special occasion something to look forward to. Also, food is part of everyday activity from morning until night. Therefore the loss of taste sensation is something that a person should worry about. If something like this happens to you, it is good to know that you can find effective relief.
The Lost of Taste Buds and Smell
The sense of taste is no doubt connected to smell. The flavor of food is tasted because of taste buds and nose. Therefore, if you cannot smell, you also find it hard to taste food and vice versa. In some cases, taste buds are in good condition, but your sense of smell is having some problems. In this case, a doctor may ask you to go to a specialist of the ear, nose, and throat to know what is happening.
1. Knowing the Taste and Smell Disorder for Proper Treatment
Moreover, there are five basic tastes, such as sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. You can taste all of these flavors because of the sensory cells found inside the mouth. Hence, it will only work when activated by small molecules released as you chew and drink. Also, these cells are packed with buds in your tongue and on top of the mouth. Loss of taste sensation can happen when it is not working normally. Therefore, a specialist should know what causes it to find the best solution to the problem.
2. Proper Diagnosis for Treatment
Problems of the sense of taste are very common, especially in the United States. According to a survey, almost 200,000 people complain to their doctor about the loss of smelling and tasting. Also, there are cases when adults experience it but do not seek any medical help at all.
If you experience the problem, you can go to an otolaryngologist to know its main cause. These are expert doctors that are knowledgeable in illnesses of the ear, nose, and throat. Also, they can help patients having problems in areas of the head and neck.
Furthermore, they will do some tests to see any growth in the mouth or nose area. Also, doctors will look at how you breathe and try to find any sign of infection. Aside from that, be ready to tell your health history and any medication you take. Above all, a correct diagnosis is critical to get appropriate treatment.
3. Treatment for Loss of Sense of Taste
A loss of sense of taste may be due to a health problem. Knowing what causes it can quickly solve the problem. Hence, one of the leading causes is an infection of the throat and bacteria from the sinus. Therefore, the best treatment is an antibiotic.
Moreover, signs of flu, colds, and allergy can badly affect your sense of taste. Hence, the best solution is a decongestant or antihistamine for allergy. Afterward, it will go back to normal once you feel better.
Another reason for having dead taste buds are some illnesses of the immune system. However, it can be treated using several medications. Also, another reason for having no sense of taste is a lack of zinc in the diet. Therefore, taking a supplement or eating food rich in zinc can solve it.
4. Changes in Lifestyle as Treatment for Loss of Taste
There are times when changing bad habits can bring back your sense of taste to normal. Hence, if you are smoking a lot, then it is better to quit. Therefore, not smoking can make your food taste better. People who stop smoking can quickly recover their dead taste buds in a matter of two days.
Furthermore, brushing teeth and tongue can also improve taste buds function. Hence, having gum disease can make the problem worse. Therefore, with floss and brushing, you can get rid of plaque and stay away from gum and teeth problems.
5. Stop Medication to Improve Sense of Taste
Some medicines may cause a loss of taste. Hence, it is because of the chemicals used in medicines that can affect the taste buds. Therefore, tell your doctor about your past and current medicines. They may replace it with other drugs.
6. Possible Complications of not Treated Properly
Loss of taste should not be taken lightly, as some may be due to a serious health condition. Once the doctor knows the main cause, you must follow a treatment plan. Some of the possible serious problems that can happen are:
- Loss of weight
- Lack of water in the body
- Malnutrition
- Infection
- Cancer
If suddenly you find yourself not tasting anything, go to your doctor and discuss tests and possible treatment.
