What Causes Altered Sense Of Taste?

Posted on Mon, 30 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 Answered on

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Doctor! Please what can possibly cause change of taste. I started noticing this before I was diagnosed to have high blood pressure. I don't really like the side effects of the drugs I am taking. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Causes of change of taste are many.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the query.

Common causes for change of taste are
1) Vitamin deficiency .
2) Neurological disorders, trauma to head, surgery of ear.
3) Drugs like ACE Inhibitor ( Zestril ), certain antibiotics.
4) Thyroid disorder, Diabetes.
5) Infection(Glossitis), ageing, kidney, liver diseases, cancer, tobacco use, smoking.
6) loss or decrease sense of smell

If you could provide me with more details regarding the symptoms you are facing along with your detailed history, It would help me to help you better. Till then you can take Multi vitamins to improve your taste and to avoid the causative factor.

Awaiting to hear from you soon.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Krunal Karade (1 hour later)

Also when I wake up in the morning, I throw out a piece of phlegm. Can kidney malfunction cause high blood pressure?

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes kidney malfunction can cause high BP

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up query XXXXXXX

Post nasal discharge ( piece of phlegm ) due to some infection in sinuses . Sinusitis can cause decrease sense of smell which result in taste disturbance . I advice you to use steam inhalation , saline nasal drop & antihistamine for Post nasal discharge.

Yes , kidney malfunction can lead to high blood pressure.

Hope this information helpful to you, take care and have a nice day.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj