What Are the Causes of Loss of Sense of Smell & Taste?

The causes of los of ssense of smell and taste can range from benign to serious and may be caused by disease or the normal aging process. Most causes of diminished sense of smell and taste are treatable and sometimes reversible.

Nasal Problems

• Causes of a loss of the sense of smell and taste are often due to acute or chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps or seasonal allergies. Treating these conditions often results in reversal of smell and taste loss.

Medication

• Medication can often cause a loss of the sense of smell and taste. Common medications that contribute to this condition are antihypertensive medications, antibiotics and chemotherapeutic medications.

Dental Problems

• Dental problems such as ill fitting dentures, mouth sores and carious teeth can contribute to of a loss of the sense of smell and taste.

Neurological Conditions

• Alzheimer disease and Parkinson's disease can alter brain function and cause a loss of the sense of smell and taste, among other sensory deficits. Head injury can also cause a loss of these senses.

Aging

• The normal aging process is a common cause of loss of sense of smell and taste. As people age, the number of taste buds decreases as does their functionality.

Considerations

• The causes of a loss of sense of smell and taste are often transient and reversible. With prompt and appropriate treatment of the corresponding condition, these sensory deficits can be managed. Age-related loss of sense and smell can sometimes be diminished by nutritional intervention, as recommended by a physician.