Dysgeusia: A Taste Disorder That Can Affect Your Health

What is Dysgeusia?

Dysgeusia is a disorder that distorts your sense of taste. It can cause you to experience a metallic or funny taste in your mouth, even when there is nothing in it. Dysgeusia can be a side effect of a variety of medical issues, including certain medications, infections, and neurological disorders.

Symptoms of Dysgeusia

The most common symptom of dysgeusia is a metallic or funny taste in the mouth. Other symptoms can include:

A bitter taste in the mouth after eating certain foods

A decreased sense of taste

A complete loss of taste

Causes of Dysgeusia

Dysgeusia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Certain medications, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and antidepressants

Infections, such as the common cold, flu, and sinusitis

Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease

Head injuries

Certain dental procedures

Treatment for Dysgeusia

The treatment for dysgeusia depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, the disorder will resolve on its own. In other cases, treatment may involve:

Stopping or changing the medication that is causing the dysgeusia

Treating the infection that is causing the dysgeusia

Managing the neurological disorder that is causing the dysgeusia

Prevention of Dysgeusia

There is no sure way to prevent dysgeusia, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the disorder. These include:

Avoiding medications that are known to cause dysgeusia

Getting vaccinated against infections that can cause dysgeusia

Practicing good oral hygiene

Eating a healthy diet

Getting regular exercise