Hypogeusia refers to a decrease in the sense of taste, in the sense of loss of sensitivity. Food loses flavor, and it becomes difficult to experience the flavor of food. This loss is a symptom of diseases related to the tongue or the brain. It is often linked to tobacco in smokers.

Our sense of taste can be altered in different ways, each marked by a specific symptom.

• Hypogeusia is the decrease in the sense of taste
• Ageusia is the total loss of sense of taste
• La dysgeusia is a disturbance of the sense of taste

Each of these symptoms should be differentiated from the others, because their causes and consequences are not the same. We will only speak here of dysgeusia, the disturbance of the sense of taste.

Hypogeusia does not present a health risk, and mainly concerns the comfort of life of affected individuals.

Since hypogeusia is a form of dysgeusia (taste disorder), their causes are similar. Hypogeusia, however, is characterized by its dependence on the taste buds.

Flu

A flu or flu-like condition frequently causes a decrease in the sensation of taste.

Sick tongue

A disease of the tongue or dryness of the oral cavity causes a decrease in the ability to taste.

A tongue paralysis, for example in the case of Bell’s palsy, may also affect the taste. The tongue is then paralyzed on one side, ie some of the sensors will work while others will be asleep. This can affect how the flavors of known foods are felt.

A similar loss is found for injuries on the tongue, such as incisions or burns.

Smoke or savor, you have to make up your mind!

Tobacco, through cigars or pipes, will also lead to the gradual onset of hypogeusia. It is seldom noticed by the smoker, until the moment when after a break in his tobacco consumption (voluntary or not) he has the feeling of “finding the taste of food”.

Neurological disorders

Depression and other neurological disorders have a hypogeusic effect on the body. Here, it is not the sensory sensors that are affected, but the interpretation at the level of the brain.

Miscellaneous drugs

Several drugs have an effect on taste. The word “hypogeusia” often appears on the (long) list of unwanted side effects of drugs. And for good reason, a large number of them act on the digestive system, which in turn disturbs our sense of taste and causes hypogeusia, drops in our sense of taste.

Some of them disturb our receptors, our saliva, or even the brain and its ability to analyze flavors. Saliva plays a special role in our ability to savor food: by moistening the palate and its receptors, it stimulates our sensors. The reduction in saliva therefore directly leads to hypogeusia.

List of drugs triggering flavor disorders: atropine, spasmolytics, anti-asthmatics, antidiarrhoeal drugs, antiparkinson drugs, antidepressants, neuroleptics, antihistamines, anti-arrhythmics, diuretics, antivirals, hypnotics, anti-tuberculosis drugs, anti-ulcer drugs, anti-ischemic drugs.

Low morale

The main risk of hypogeusia is on the patient’s morale and physical strength. Indeed, the loss of flavor is sometimes accompanied by a loss of the taste for life.

Nutritional deficiencies

As a result, the patient is at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies if he eats less than before.

Weight Loss

If the effect worsens, a doctor should be consulted in the event of significant weight loss, the only real physical danger of hypogeusia.

Establish a correct diagnosis

Hypogeusia, or dysgeusia, can be reliably diagnosed using devices, such as chemical gustometry and electrogustometry. These exams use sweet, sour, salty and bitter substances to understand which taste sensors are failing, and to better treat the problem.

Treat hypogeusia on a case-by-case basis

To really regain the taste of all foods, it is better to discuss it with your doctor after initial examinations (see above).

On a daily basis, patients are recommended to vary their diet, rediscover pleasure by testing new dishes, new cooking methods or different spices.

We can also influence the way we eat. Take more time, or grind food. There is no such thing as a perfect recipe, it is important for everyone to test what works and what does not.

In terms of care, smokers have everything to gain by stopping smoking (which disrupts sensory sensors). Brushing your teeth in the morning and evening also helps maintain a healthy oral cavity.

If nothing works and hypogeusia causes loss of appetite, followed by significant weight loss, consultation with a dietitian or nutritionist is recommended.