Other Causes Of Loss Of Taste And Smell Other Than Covid-19

Loss of taste and smell is a common complaint by sick persons now. The surge in this symptom coincided with when it was added as one of the symptoms of covid-19. As a community pharmacist working in Lagos State which is the epicenter of covid-19 in Nigeria, the fear is always about covid-19.

This line of thought is causing more harm. This is because most of those sick are usually advised to go for a covid-19 test. And it takes a long time for covid-19 result to be made available. And it could be dangerous if it is not covid-19 all the while.

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Loss of taste has always been around. It is just that many people don't seem to know it. The covid-19 awareness brought it out to limelight as many people now know that it can also be a symptom of a disease. There are so many causes for the loss of taste and smell. It can be due to aging which affects those above 60 years of age. It could also be a symptom of another disease. Some of these diseases can be dangerous if left untreated.

Taste and smell

What Is Loss Of Taste And Smell

When you chew food, aromas are released that activate your sense of smell by way of a special channel that connects the roof of the throat to the nose. If this channel is blocked, odors can't reach sensory cells in the nose that are stimulated by smells. Without smells, food tends to taste bland and have little or no flavor.  Most loss of taste is caused by loss of smell instead.

However, there is partial loss of smell and total loss. There is also partial loss of taste and total loss.

Let us play a game. Allow a neutral person to buy you any food without you knowledge. Blindfold yourself before eating the food. Describe what you are and how it tastes like. This can help you tell if your sense of taste and smell is all right.

Conditions That Causes Loss Of Taste And Smell

Upper And Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (URI And LRI)

The most common disease responsible for loss of taste and smell is upper and lower respiratory tract infection. They include sinusitis, allergens, nasal polyps, cold flu, etc.

Other Disease

The other disease that can cause loss of taste and smell have to do with the brain. They are Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, etc.

Medication

Another culprit is medication. Beta blockers and angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) medication can block sense of taste and smell at all ages.

Lifestyle

There are some lifestyles that affect the taste and smell senses. They are cigarette smoking, head or facial injury, alcohol, etc.

Others

1. Hormones changes

2. Chemicals

3. Radiation therapy for head or neck

Complications

Some bloggers add obesity, diabetes and hypertension as causes of loss of taste and smell. However, there is a general belief that obesity, diabetes and hypertension are complications from loss of taste and smell. It is argued that the sufferer consumes more of some sugar that contributes to obesity and salt that worsen hypertension.

It can also lead to fire, inhaling poisonous fumes, leaving leaking gas, spoiled food, poor nutrition leading to weight loss or gain. It can also lead to a weakened immune system and worsen other medical conditions.

Treatment

The first test to carry out is blood sugar test and blood pressure. Majority of those who present to the facility with this condition often experience either or both of them. It is when this is certified good that other options should be considered. Treatment for diabetes and hypertension can improve on the condition. Medical history is important to make an informed diagnosis.

Last medical history and lifestyle will help to determine if it is not covid-19. The patient should stop all medication and lifestyle that can cause this loss of taste and smell.

If it is caused by a medical condition, treating the condition helps improve the taste and smell.

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When all options have been deployed and shows no improvement that an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) can continue with other types of diagnosis.

Home Remedies

1. Food should have variety of colours and texture

2. Prepare food with aromatic herbs and spices (avoid sugar and salt as this can make some consume excess sugar and salt thinking it is not enough).

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