What can cause disorders of taste and smell? Certain types of medicines, head trauma, and temporary illness are possible causes. Temporary illness and medication are also factors. Certain treatments may also affect the sense of smell and taste. Your doctor can prescribe a medication or perform surgery to address the underlying medical problem. Regardless of the underlying cause, there are effective ways to restore your sense of smell and taste. Here are some of the common causes of these disorders.

Temporary illness

In 5% of the population, one or both of these senses is affected. Disorders of taste and smell can impair the ability to enjoy food, recognize unpleasant odors, and detect potentially harmful gases and chemicals. A disorder of one of these senses may be temporary or chronic and can be a symptom of a more serious illness. Here are some examples of temporary illnesses caused by disorders of taste and smell.

A doctor who specializes in treating conditions of the nose, throat, and sinuses may be consulted to treat temporary illnesses of the senses. A doctor may perform a CT scan to diagnose a underlying condition and prescribe antibiotics or vitamin supplements. Treatment may involve stopping the use of certain medications, adjusting the treatment regimen, or removing an obstruction to restore normal smell and taste. If the condition isn’t temporary, the patient may need to see a specialist for further testing or treatment.

Medication

Despite the fact that many drugs are not life-threatening, they can significantly impair one’s physical and mental health. For example, people taking medications for depression may be unable to detect spoiled foods and smoke, and the inability to detect natural gas could cause a fatal accident. People also may have reduced senses of smell and taste, which can lead to weight loss, depression, and poor compliance with drug regimens.

Other common causes of decreased or absent sense of smell include colds and flu, as well as certain medications. Some people may even be born with a genetic disorder that impairs their sense of smell. A faulty gene causes these disorders, but they are not uncommon. Other causes of weakened sense of smell include exposure to certain chemicals and radiation therapy. While it’s difficult to tell if someone has a disorder of taste or smell, it is important to seek medical attention for any potential problem.

Head trauma

Damage to the olfactory nerves in the brain can result in disorders of taste and smell. While these injuries usually happen to people with severe head trauma, they can occur in less serious cases as well. The brain’s olfactory nerves connect to the amygdala, the area responsible for emotions and personal memories. Because of this connection, head trauma can cause disorders of taste and smell.

While many people who suffer traumatic brain injuries don’t report the loss of their sense of smell, this disorder is a relatively common outcome. A complete loss of taste and smell is known as anosmia and can greatly impact the patient’s quality of life. Some patients recover their sense of smell within a few weeks of the incident, but others do not. Regardless of the cause of the disorder, the loss of these senses is extremely disturbing and needs to be addressed.

Certain treatments

Many people experience certain disorders of taste and smell as they age. However, the treatments for these problems are different for each person. Depending on the cause, certain treatments can improve the patient’s quality of life and eliminate these disorders. The underlying medical problem will also be addressed, such as chronic infections or smoking. Other treatments may include medications or surgery. Once diagnosed, a doctor will be able to determine a treatment plan that will help restore the patient’s sense of taste and smell.

The development of specific treatment techniques for taste and smell disorders requires a thorough understanding of the mechanism responsible for each disorder. The current lack of diagnostic tools hinders progress. It is important to determine the exact location of the dysfunction and whether peripheral tissues, nerve degeneration, or central processing are the cause. The development of diagnostic tools is an essential component of addressing this complex disorder. The results of these studies can help physicians determine which treatments are most effective for specific patients.

Dental hygiene

Besides poor dental hygiene, some people have problems with taste. These problems may also be the result of gum disease and cavities. In such cases, dentists call the disorder dysguesia. To learn more about the problem, read on. This article discusses some of the causes of dysgeusia and how you can prevent it. Here’s a look at some of these reasons why oral hygiene is important.

An unhealthy mouth can also cause odors. In addition to food particles, bacteria in the mouth can cause smells. A person may experience a metallic, salty, or bitter taste. A dentist can help treat dysguesia and help a person get rid of it. A dehydrating beverage can also exacerbate dysguesia symptoms. A dentist can also recommend a treatment for your mouth odor.