Ageusia and anosmia: what they mean

They can occur separately or together. Because smell contributes much of food's flavour, anosmia can make meals seem tasteless even when the tongue still detects sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savoury sensations.

A person with ageusia cannot detect basic tastes on the tongue. With anosmia, those basic tastes may remain, but aromas and detailed flavours disappear. Nasal blockage, respiratory infections, some medicines, mouth or dental problems, and injury affecting sensory pathways can contribute.

A common cold and COVID-19 can present with altered smell or taste. Symptoms that continue after the initial infection can also occur with Long COVID, but sensory loss alone does not identify its cause.

Notice whether the change began suddenly or gradually and record congestion, fever, mouth discomfort, recent illness, head injury, and new medicines. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without discussing it with its prescriber.

Check food dates and storage carefully because smell may not warn you about spoilage. Make sure smoke and gas alarms work, avoid adding excessive salt or sugar to chase flavour, and choose foods with varied safe textures and temperatures if eating is difficult.

Arrange a clinical review if the loss is unexplained, persists after congestion settles, is worsening, or interferes with eating. A clinician can examine the nose and mouth, review medicines, and check for neurological or nutritional concerns.

Seek urgent care for sensory loss after a significant head injury, or when it accompanies facial weakness, trouble speaking, severe sudden headache, confusion, fainting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Ask whether the pattern suggests a smell problem, a true taste problem, or both; whether a medicine or nasal condition could contribute; and what examination or follow-up is appropriate. Mention weight change, reduced fluid intake, burns, spoiled-food incidents, or inability to detect smoke or gas.