What Causes Loss Of Sense Of Taste?

Posted on Thu, 4 Sep 2014

Thu, 4 Sep 2014 Answered on

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My tongue has a very red surface and my sense of taste has all but gone away. I am 88 and have generally
lived an active life. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Glossitis due to nutritional deficiencies.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Looking at the clinical history and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Red surface tongue is commonly due to nutritional deficiencies. Commonly B group vitamins and iron.
2. It can be sore with burning sensation also leading to reduced sensations.
3. Hope there is no whitish patches, all over tongue.
4. You will require multi vitamin supplements specifically containing b1, b2, b3, b6, b9, and b12. Iron tablets will also be necessary.

Improve your diet with fish, egg, red meat and green leafy vegetables. Symptoms should improve within 15 days.
Do get your hemoglobin level tested once, as it could be low. Low hemoglobin is not good at this age. Therapy is same of multivitamin and iron only.
Maintain good oral hygiene and brush twice daily. Infection of tongue could occur secondarily.

Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM

Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar