Department of Otolaryngology
Conditions We Treat
Smell and Taste Disorders
What are Smell and Taste Disorders?
At times, due to advancing age or some illnesses, our ability
to smell and/or taste is impaired. This has a significant impact
on our lives, affecting our desire to eat and to even go out.
Symptoms of Smell and Taste Disorders
The sense of smell and taste are closely related. If you notice
a loss of appetite or an inability to smell or taste things
that
once smelled/tasted strongly to you over a prolonged period of
time, you may be experiencing impairment to these senses.
Causes of Smell and Taste Disorders
The loss or impairment of the ability to smell or taste can be
caused by a wide variety of conditions. These include:
-
Cold or allergies
- Upper respiratory infections
- Advancing age
- Hormonal changes
- Dental problems
- Some chemicals or medications
- Use of tobacco products
- Radiation therapy
- Patients who have had their larynx (voice
box) removed
Diagnosing Smell and Taste Disorders
To determine if you are suffering from a smell and taste disorder,
your physician will review your medical history, taking into
account
any recent illnesses and medications, and perform a physical
exam. Your doctor will administer
specialized
smell and taste tests to determine the lowest concentration of
a substance that you can detect and recognize.
Treatment Options
If a smell and taste disorder is caused by illness, improvement
is noticed once the illness has run its course. If the disorder
is caused by certain medications or medical treatments (such as
radiation therapy) changes to the medication or treatment may
allow for improvement. In some cases though, as in advancing age,
the condition is irreversible.
|
