Loss of Taste & Smell

[Guest guest]

Judy,

You wrote, " I've had that loss of taste happen when I've had other

surgeries. I attributed it to the anesthetic and medications but it

only lasted a couple of weeks... "

Loss of taste is an interesting subject. There are several reasons

that result in this phenomenon, though, theoretically, none of these

should be permanent. Or, more accurately, these should all be

reversible or treatable.

Generally, the primary cause for loss of taste is impairment with

smell. The second reason would be, as you said, Judy, due to the use

of certain medications. The third most common reason is certain

types of anemia, like Vitamin B12 or Folate deficiency. Other

reasons may accompany illnesses or conditions such as multiple

sclerosis, Bell's palsy, head injury, diabetes, liver and kidney

diseases, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease.

Certain lifestyle choices, like smoking, excessive coffee drinking,

or tobacco chewing, as well as can damage smell and taste cells.

Other conditions like recurrent vomiting and dental conditions such

as infected teeth and gums, though they do not directly affect smell

and taste, they may modify food choices and dietary habits -- either

favorably or not -- but most of them exacerbate diseases or

nutritional deficiencies.

Taste reduction becomes a serious health risk when persons who

develop disease-induced taste deficiency compensate adding

additional sugar or salt simply because the foods are, to them,

tasteless. But, the more salt or sugar that is added, the greater

the chance of stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other

disabling health consequences.

It is thought that gradual reduction, or loss, of taste and smell

also appears to be an unfortunate but normal part of aging. However,

research shows that the elderly receive more medications and suffer

more diseases. These are the more appropriate cause for loss of

smell and taste, not aging.

People with Pancreatitis are more likely to have long term problems

with loss of taste and smell, not because of this particular disease

or surgery, but because of the probability of malnutrition, anemia,

nausea & vomiting, tooth decay, and the use of certain medications.

Treatments showing some promise include vitamins A and B3 (niacin)

supplementation, which may restore taste if these nutrients are

deficient, and zinc sulfate use even though a deficiency of the

mineral may not exist. Techniques for enhancing flavor are to chew

well and to alternate bites of different foods in one meal. Chewing

breaks down food and allows more molecules to interact with taste

and smell receptors, and switching from one food to another helps

counteract the phenomenon of sensory adaptation. Additionally there

are many herbal remedies that claim to facilitate taste.

These are interesting websites:

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/loss_of_taste.htm

http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/smell_taste.htm

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

http://www.pancassociation.org

Pancreatitis Association International