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Dysgeusia

Dysgeusia is an alteration or distortion of the sense of taste. People with dysgeusia may notice a persistent metallic, salty, sour, or rancid taste, and flavors may be perceived as different or less distinct. The condition can affect all tastes (hypogeusia or ageusia) or only certain tastes and may be temporary or persistent.

Causes are diverse and include medications, medical treatments, and health conditions. Common drug-related causes involve antibiotics

Pathophysiology is multifactorial. Taste receptor cells, saliva composition, and neural pathways conveying taste data to the

Diagnosis relies on clinical history and examination. A detailed review of medications, recent illnesses, diet, and

Management focuses on the underlying cause when possible. This may involve changing causative medications, treating infections,

See also: ageusia, hypogeusia, anosmia.

such
as
metronidazole
or
tetracyclines,
and
antihypertensives
like
captopril,
among
others.
Head
and
neck
radiation,
chemotherapy,
and
other
systemic
illnesses
can
disrupt
taste
receptor
function
or
saliva
production.
Nutritional
deficiencies,
particularly
zinc
or
vitamin
B12,
can
contribute.
Infections
(including
viral
diseases
such
as
COVID-19),
dental
infections,
periodontal
disease,
and
oral
candidiasis
are
associated
with
dysgeusia.
Endocrine
disorders
(diabetes,
thyroid
disease),
kidney
or
liver
dysfunction,
smoking,
and
alcohol
use
may
also
play
a
role.
Pregnancy
can
temporarily
alter
taste
perception.
brain
can
be
affected
by
injury,
inflammation,
medications,
or
metabolic
disturbances,
leading
to
distorted
perception
of
flavors.
oral
health
is
essential.
Objective
taste
testing
and
laboratory
assessments
(zinc
and
B12
levels,
thyroid
and
liver/kidney
function,
glucose)
may
be
used.
Additional
imaging
or
neurological
evaluation
is
considered
when
neurological
symptoms
are
present.
correcting
nutritional
deficiencies,
improving
oral
hygiene,
and
addressing
dry
mouth.
Zinc
supplementation
should
be
guided
by
a
clinician,
and
prognosis
varies
with
etiology.