The medical term for loss of taste

Complete absence of taste is different from hypogeusia, meaning reduced taste, and dysgeusia, meaning a distorted or unpleasant taste. Many people who say food has lost its taste actually have reduced smell, because smell supplies much of flavour perception.

A common cold, COVID-19, nasal blockage, dry mouth, oral disease, medicines and nerve problems can affect the experience. Long COVID may be considered when changes remain after an earlier infection. A clinician will ask about onset, smell, mouth symptoms, medicines and related neurological features rather than relying on the label alone.

Write down whether salt, sweet, sour and bitter sensations are all affected, and whether familiar aromas are still detectable. Note recent infections, nasal symptoms, dental treatment, smoking, new medicines and changes in appetite. Maintain oral care and choose safe, nourishing foods while the cause is explored.

A clinician may examine the mouth, nose and nervous system and decide whether a dental review, medication change or further assessment is appropriate. Never change prescribed treatment without advice.

Arrange medical or dental care for persistent ageusia, a painful mouth, a non-healing ulcer, swallowing problems or reduced intake. Get urgent help if the sensory change occurs with facial drooping, one-sided weakness, speech difficulty, severe confusion or breathing trouble.

Ask which term best describes your experience, whether smell is contributing, which medicines or mouth conditions could play a part, and how long to monitor the change before follow-up.