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What Causes Tastlesness In Tongue?

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Posted on Sat, 6 Dec 2014
Question: My mother is 54 and complaining about tastlesness in the tongue
but no irritation in the stomach
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

There are different possible causes for reduced or abnormal taste in the mouth such as: (1) acute infections- it can be associated with the onset of acute infections such as the common cold or flu, sinus disease, allergies

The loss of taste can sometimes occur before the symptoms start

(2)due to aging- as persons age, there is loss sensation of taste buds. This is the reason that older persons often have loss of appetite (food has no taste) or require increased spices/salt or sugars to be added to meals for taste

(3)can be associated with vitamin deficiency- deficiency in vitamin b 12, folate and zinc can also be a source of reduced taste

(4)cigarette smoking or exposure to pollutants

(5)diseases associated with the loss of some aspect of brain function- parkinsons, brain tumor, alzheimer's


If the loss of taste has been gradually increasing then it is likely related to aging and changing the spices added to foods may help.

If it is an acute or sudden change then it may be due to an impending acute infection or allergies (if has history of allergies)
In this case, you can consider monitoring for any additional symptoms.

If you wish, you can consider the use of vitamin supplements in the event there is any lack of the vitamins mentioned earlier

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Tastlesness In Tongue?

Brief Answer: different possible causes Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic There are different possible causes for reduced or abnormal taste in the mouth such as: (1) acute infections- it can be associated with the onset of acute infections such as the common cold or flu, sinus disease, allergies The loss of taste can sometimes occur before the symptoms start (2)due to aging- as persons age, there is loss sensation of taste buds. This is the reason that older persons often have loss of appetite (food has no taste) or require increased spices/salt or sugars to be added to meals for taste (3)can be associated with vitamin deficiency- deficiency in vitamin b 12, folate and zinc can also be a source of reduced taste (4)cigarette smoking or exposure to pollutants (5)diseases associated with the loss of some aspect of brain function- parkinsons, brain tumor, alzheimer's If the loss of taste has been gradually increasing then it is likely related to aging and changing the spices added to foods may help. If it is an acute or sudden change then it may be due to an impending acute infection or allergies (if has history of allergies) In this case, you can consider monitoring for any additional symptoms. If you wish, you can consider the use of vitamin supplements in the event there is any lack of the vitamins mentioned earlier I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions