Ageusia (Loss of Sense of Taste): Definition, Causes & Treatment (2024)

What is ageusia?

Ageusia is the loss of sense of taste. This condition makes it difficult to detect tastes like sweet, sour, salty or bitter.

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Who does ageusia affect?

Loss of sense of taste can affect people of all ages. However, it’s most common in adults over the age of 50.

How common is ageusia?

True ageusia — a complete loss of taste — is rare. Out of 1,000 people, one or two will develop the condition.

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What is the difference between ageusia and dysgeusia?

Ageusia refers to the total loss of taste. Dysgeusia is a condition that causes an unpleasant perception of taste.

What are some other taste disorders?

In addition to ageusia and dysgeusia, other taste disorders include hypogeusia (decreased sensitivity to taste) and hypergeusia (increased sensitivity to taste). But ageusia is the only condition that results in a complete loss of taste function.

Ageusia (Loss of Sense of Taste): Definition, Causes & Treatment (2024)
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