Taste Disorders: When to See an ENT Specialist

Q: Taste Disorders: When to See an ENT Specialist

Hello： In response to your question, changes in taste perception may warrant consideration of certain central nervous system disorders, such as stroke or neuroma, although the likelihood is low. <br>It is still important to exercise caution, so please discuss this with a neurolog

Severe taste disturbances?

Dr.
Hsu, my mother (73 years old) has recently been experiencing a poor sense of taste, often feeling a bitter taste when consuming liquids, along with dry mouth and tongue.
She consulted a neurologist, who only mentioned that her cholesterol levels are high and advised her to exercise more, but did not provide any further diagnosis.
Which specialty should she see for this issue, and what symptoms should we be aware of? Thank you!

mocca, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/09/26

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology

Hello: In response to your question, changes in taste perception may warrant consideration of certain central nervous system disorders, such as stroke or neuroma, although the likelihood is low.
It is still important to exercise caution, so please discuss this with a neurologist.

Reply Date: 2006/09/26

More Info

Dear Concerned Daughter,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your mother's taste disorder. It sounds like she is experiencing a significant change in her taste perception, which can be quite distressing. The symptoms you describe, particularly the persistent bitter taste and dry mouth, warrant further investigation to determine their underlying cause.

Taste disorders, or dysgeusia, can arise from a variety of factors, including medication side effects, nutritional deficiencies, systemic illnesses, or even neurological conditions. Given your mother's age and the complexity of her symptoms, it is essential to approach this issue systematically.

1. When to See an ENT Specialist: It is advisable to consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, when experiencing taste disorders, especially if the symptoms persist for more than a few weeks. An ENT specialist can conduct a thorough examination of the oral cavity, throat, and nasal passages to rule out any anatomical or pathological issues that might be affecting taste perception. They can also assess for conditions such as infections, allergies, or other ENT-related disorders that could contribute to her symptoms.

2. Potential Causes of Taste Disorders: There are several potential causes for your mother's symptoms:
- Medications: Certain medications, including those for hypertension or cholesterol, can lead to taste alterations. If your mother is taking any new medications or has had changes in her medication regimen, this could be a contributing factor.

- Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, particularly zinc and vitamin B12, can affect taste. A healthcare provider can evaluate her nutritional status through blood tests.

- Systemic Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or neurological diseases can also impact taste perception. Given that her cholesterol levels are high, it may be worth investigating if there are any related metabolic issues.

- Oral Health: Poor oral hygiene, dental issues, or infections can lead to taste disturbances. A visit to a dentist may also be beneficial.

3. Next Steps: I recommend that you schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist as soon as possible. They will likely perform a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:
- A detailed medical history and medication review.

- A physical examination of the oral cavity and throat.

- Possible imaging studies or lab tests to assess for underlying conditions.

In addition to seeing an ENT, it may also be beneficial for your mother to consult with her primary care physician or a geriatric specialist. They can help coordinate care and ensure that all aspects of her health are being considered, including her cholesterol management and any other chronic conditions she may have.

Lastly, encourage your mother to maintain good hydration and oral hygiene, as these can help alleviate some symptoms of dry mouth and may improve her overall taste perception.

I hope this information helps guide you and your mother toward finding the answers and relief she needs. Please do not hesitate to reach out for further assistance or clarification.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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