Ageusia

Ageusia
Pronunciation
SpecialtyNeurology

Ageusia (from negative prefix a- and Ancient Greek γεῦσις geûsis 'taste') is the loss of taste functions of the tongue, particularly the inability to detect sweetness, sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and umami (meaning 'savory taste'). It is sometimes confused with anosmia – a loss of the sense of smell. True ageusia is relatively rare compared to hypogeusia – a partial loss of taste – and dysgeusia – a distortion or alteration of taste.[1][2]

Even though ageusia is considered relatively rare it can impact individuals of any age or demographic.[3] There has been an increase in reported cases of ageusia, due to the COVID-19 pandemic making ageusia more commonly diagnosed than before.[4]

  1. ^ "Taste Disorders". Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  2. ^ Hummel T, Landis BN, Hüttenbrink KB (2011). "Smell and taste disorders". GMS Current Topics in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 10: Doc04. doi:10.3205/cto000077. PMC 3341581. PMID 22558054.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference :8 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Ageusia (Loss of Sense of Taste): Definition, Causes & Treatment". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2024-04-14.