Ageusia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Ageusia is a rare condition in which an individual is unable to taste any food or drink. It can be caused by certain conditions, such as a virus or head injury, or it can be present at birth. Those who suffer from ageusia are unable to appreciate the flavour of food, or may be completely unaware that something is supposed to taste good. Because of this, many with ageusia rely on smell and texture when eating, rather than flavour.

There are two main types of ageusia: congenital ageusia and acquired ageusia.

• Congenital Ageusia: Congenital ageusia is an inherited condition that is present at birth. It can be caused by genetic mutations or may occur as a result of certain infections contracted during pregnancy, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus. This type of ageusia is rare and permanent.
• Acquired Ageusia: Acquired ageusia occurs after birth and can be caused by a variety of factors, including disease, injury, aging, or certain medications. Common causes include head trauma or stroke; viral infections such as mumps and measles; autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome; diabetes; kidney failure; chemotherapy; radiation therapy; and some antibiotics and other drugs. Acquired ageusia can also be temporary or permanent depending on the cause.

• Congenital causes: Genetic disorders, birth trauma or infections in the newborn period
• Acquired causes: head trauma, viral infections, certain medications and toxins, aging
• Systemic diseases: diabetes mellitus, Sjögren’s syndrome, HIV infection
• Neurological disorders: Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis

• Loss of ability to taste
• Inability to detect sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami tastes
• Reduced appetite
• Difficulty distinguishing between food flavors
• Decreased interest in eating

• Avoid exposure to loud noise.
• Reduce stress levels through regular exercise, yoga and meditation.
• Follow a regular sleep schedule and manage stress levels through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or guided imagery sessions.
• Visit your doctor regularly for check-ups, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions that could put you at risk of developing ageusia (e.g., diabetes).

Diagnosis of ageusia typically involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and sensory testing.Tests include-

• Blood tests: To check for vitamin deficiencies and other health problems that could be causing ageusia.
• Taste testing: To assess the patient's ability to taste different flavours and measure their level of ageusia.
• Imaging tests: To check for any abnormalities in the brain or other parts of the body that could be related to ageusia.
• Neuropsychological tests: To assess cognitive and behavioural changes that may be related to ageusia.
• Genetic testing: To identify any genetic mutations that could be causing ageusia.
• Taste Test: To measure the ability to detect various tastes.
• Smell Test: To measure the ability to detect various odours.
• CT Scan/MRI: To look for any structural abnormalities in the mouth and nose that could be causing ageusia.

• Poor nutrition: Without being able to taste food, it can be difficult to tell if a person is getting the right balance of nutrients.
• Social isolation: Not being able to enjoy the same meals with friends and family can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.
• Loss of pleasure: People with ageusia are unable to experience the joys of taste, which can lead to a decreased quality of life.
• Difficulty swallowing: Without the ability to discern texture or taste, it can be hard for people with ageusia to swallow certain foods or liquids properly.
• Increased risk for choking: Ageusia may also put people at increased risk for choking because they are unable to detect food that is too large or hard and could become lodged in their throat.

• Apply a paste of cumin (jeera) powder, honey and ghee on the tongue and leave it for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
• Boil 1 teaspoon of basil (tulsi) leaves in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes and then strain the mixture. Drink this herbal tea twice daily to improve taste sensation.
• Mix 2 teaspoons each of dry ginger (sonth) powder, rock salt and crystal sugar in 3 tablespoons of ghee. Heat the mixture until it turns dark brown in colour and then consume it once a day to improve taste sensation.
• Massage your tongue with warm sesame oil or coconut oil before going to bed at night for relief from ageusia symptoms such as dryness or cracking on the tongue surface etc..
• Chew on a few fennel seeds after meals to help improve taste sensation naturally over time.
• Make a paste by mixing equal parts of lemon juice, honey, pepper powder and powdered cardamom together and apply it directly onto your tongue for relief from ageusia symptoms such as numbness or loss of taste sensations etc..

• Fruits: Apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, pears and other seasonal fruits
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, spinach and other leafy greens
• Grains: Rice, wheat, barley and quinoa
• Dairy: Milk, cheese and yoghurt
• Meat & Seafood: Chicken, beef and fish
• Legumes & Beans: Chickpeas, lentils and kidney beans
• Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, walnuts and sunflower seeds

• Avoid very spicy, salty, and acidic foods.
• Refrain from eating raw meat, fish, and eggs.
• Stay away from highly processed foods with additives and preservatives.
• Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol.
• Do not consume artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes.

There are a variety of treatments available to help individuals cope with this condition.

• Medication: Certain medications may be prescribed by your doctor to help improve your ability to taste. These may include antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs, which have been shown to improve taste in some people.
• Dietary changes: Your doctor may suggest making dietary changes such as eating more flavorful foods or adding spices and herbs to food in order to make it more enjoyable for you.
• Vitamin supplements: Taking vitamin supplements such as B vitamins and zinc can help improve your sense of taste. It is important to talk with your doctor first before taking any supplements in order to determine the best course of action for you.
• Surgery: In extreme cases, surgery may be an option for those suffering from ageusia due to certain medical conditions such as head trauma or tumors in the brain that affect taste buds and nerves in the mouth and nose responsible for tasting food.
• Cochlear Implants: A surgically implanted device that transmits sound signals to the brain in order to restore hearing.
• Middle Ear Implants: A surgically implanted device that amplifies sound signals and sends them directly to the inner ear, bypassing the damaged portions of the outer and middle ear structures.
• Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA): A surgically implanted device that transmits sound vibrations through bone conduction rather than air conduction, allowing for improved hearing in individuals with certain types of hearing loss.
• Stapedectomy: Surgical reconstruction of the middle ear bones in order to improve hearing by restoring movement of the stapes (stirrup) bone in the inner ear.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals learn how their thoughts and beliefs about food can impact their ability to enjoy it and increase their desire for nutritious foods despite having difficulty tasting them due to ageusia.

By following these tips, individuals suffering from ageusia can find relief from this condition and learn how they can still enjoy meals despite their inability to taste them properly!

A person with ageusia should consult an ENT specialist (ear, nose and throat doctor) for diagnosis and treatment options.

• Treatments for ageusia can include vitamin and mineral supplements, sensory therapy, and medications such as antidepressants.
• Vitamin B12 and zinc are often recommended as supplements to help treat ageusia.
• Sensory therapy may involve activities such as listening to music or smelling essential oils to stimulate the senses.
• Certain antidepressants may be prescribed if the cause of ageusia is determined to be psychological.

• Recovery from ageusia can vary depending on the cause of the condition and the individual's response to treatment.
• Generally, recovery time can range from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of damage to the taste buds or other underlying factors.
• It is important to follow your doctor's advice and any recommended treatments so that you can recover as quickly as possible from ageusia and enjoy all the pleasures of taste again soon!

• The results of treatment for ageusia (loss of taste) vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
• In many cases, treatment can improve taste sensitivity to some degree, although it is not always possible to restore full sensitivity.
• For some cases, results can be permanent if the underlying cause is successfully treated and resolved.
• In other cases, the effects of treatment may only be temporary even with successful resolution of the underlying cause.

• Speak to your doctor about the post treatment plan that is best for you.
• Ensure that you take all prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.
• Follow any diet restrictions that are recommended by your doctor.
• Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and showering daily to reduce the risk of infection and recurrence of the condition.
• Participate in physical therapy or other rehabilitation exercises as instructed by your doctor to maintain strength and mobility in affected areas of the body.

• Ageusia treatments in India can vary in cost depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment needed.
• Generally, treatments range from around ₹2000 to ₹20,000 or more.
• Some treatments may be covered by insurance, while others may need to be paid for out of pocket.
• Aside from medical costs, it is important to factor in additional expenses such as travel and lodging for any necessary consultations or tests.

• Reduced taste sensitivity: Ageusia treatments may reduce the sensitivity of taste buds, leading to decreased ability to detect flavours.
• Gastrointestinal upset: Treatments may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
• Loss of appetite: Reduced taste sensitivity can lead to a lack of interest in eating or drinking, resulting in weight loss and malnutrition.
• Dry mouth: Ageusia treatments can cause dryness of the mouth due to decreased saliva production and reduced sense of taste.
• Allergic reactions: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to the medications used for ageusia treatment, such as rash or itching.

If you are suffering from any complications relating to ageusia then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can cause complications like ' Loss of pleasure, difficulty in swallowing, ' in which treatment courses can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.