What is loss of taste called?

Taste and smell work together when you experience flavour. A blocked nose can make food seem bland even when the tongue can still detect basic tastes. A clinician may distinguish ageusia from reduced taste, altered taste, or a smell problem that feels like taste loss. Common explanations include a respiratory infection, nasal congestion, medication effects, dry mouth, or irritation affecting the mouth. The word ageusia describes the symptom; it does not identify its cause.

Note when the change began and whether it followed a cold, exposure to COVID-19, a new medicine, dental treatment, or a head injury. Check whether you can smell familiar items and whether congestion, mouth soreness, or dry mouth is present. Keep hydrated, maintain oral hygiene, and avoid relying on extra salt or sugar to make food enjoyable. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice. A clinician can review the pattern and examine your nose, mouth, and nerves if the change persists.

Arrange medical advice if taste loss is sudden, continues after an infection has settled, keeps returning, or affects eating and drinking. Seek urgent care after a head injury, or if the change occurs with facial weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, severe headache, or difficulty breathing. Taste loss can occur with a common cold or COVID-19, so follow current local advice about testing and reducing contact when you have respiratory symptoms.

Could congestion, a medicine, oral health, or another problem explain the change? Should my smell be assessed as well? How long should I monitor it before returning? Are there warning symptoms that should prompt earlier review?