Causes
There are several causes of dysgeusia. Some of these causes are associated with changes in the mouth such as dental conditions, chemotherapy and dry mouth, while others are based on alterations in the neurological aspects of taste sensation such as migraines and pregnancy. Causes of dysgeusia include:
Medication
There are several medications that can cause dysgeusia. Consuming drugs that have alteration of taste as a side effect does not necessarily lead to dysgeusia. People can develop dysgeusia with just a few doses or it comes suddenly after usage for so many years. A metallic feeling is a popular taste that comes with using certain drugs. according to a study in toxicological sciences, over 200 drugs can cause taste disorders, yet drug producers overlook this side effects. Specific drugs can have side effects such as angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, antibiotics and diuretics. Some of the medications that lead to dysgeusia are:
- Antidepressants
- Chemotherapeutic medicines
- Antibiotics
- Muscle relaxants
- Thyroid medications
- Antihypertensives
- Chronic sicknesses & Cancer treatment
There are various medical conditions that cause alteration in sense of taste. Most of these medical conditions that cause dysgeusia also cause loss of smell. It is always difficult to differentiate which sense has been altered. Common chronic sicknesses associated with altered taste sensation are:
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Dementia
- Stroke [1]
- Nerve lesion
Dysgeusia occurs as a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation. It is majorly used in treating head and neck cancers, but it can appear with the treatment of any cancer. Cancer treatment alters the ability to taste or smell food temporarily or permanently, people undergoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatments should talk to medical doctors about the side effects to avoid complications such as malnutrition and weight loss.