Dysgeusia and ageusia are disorders of the sense of taste. This difference between dysgeusia and ageusia can be seen from the ability of the tongue to recognize certain tastes. Check out the following article to learn more about the differences between the two.
When chewing food, taste cells are stimulated and send messages to the brain. Later, this message is identified by the brain as the taste of food. Taste cells can recognize five types of taste, namely sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. If the taste cells are disturbed, then a person can experience dysgeusia or ageusia.
Disorders of the sense of taste, whether dysgeusia or ageusia, have a negative effect on a person’s quality of life. When a person has a taste disorder, the food that enters the mouth may not have any taste, thus lowering the appetite.
When appetite decreases, the nutrients that enter the body may not be enough. If nutritional deficiencies occur for a long time, then malnutrition may occur, especially in those with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, stroke, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Differences between Dysgeusia and Ageusia
Although both are disorders of the sense of taste, dysgeusia and ageusia have significant differences. Here is the explanation:
Dysgeusia
A person with dysgeusia will generally complain of a metallic, bitter, salty, sweet, or unpleasant taste in the mouth when consuming food and drink. In fact, this bad taste can appear when you are not consuming anything.
This dysgeusia condition can of course affect the enjoyment of eating, which will also affect the entry of nutrients into the body. In addition, dysgeusia is also generally accompanied by several symptoms, such as stuffy nose, bad breath, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, dry mouth, fever, and sore throat.
The causes of dysgeusia are various, one of which is an infection, whether caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. In fact, disturbances in the sense of taste are one of the symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Not only infectious diseases, dysgeusia can also occur due to the following conditions:
1. Deficiency of vitamins and minerals, usually occurs in a person with a deficiency of B vitamins and zinc
2. Taking certain medications, such as antidepressants, antibiotics, muscle relaxants, antihypertensives, thyroid medications, and chemotherapy drugs
3. Having chronic diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, diabetes, stroke, and nerve damage
4. Being pregnant, usually caused by changes in hormone levels
5. Having inflammation of the tongue
6. Exposed to chemicals that can damage the senses, such as pesticides, cosmetics, detergents, and industrial chemicals
7. Active smokers, because tobacco products contain chemicals that can affect the sense of taste
Treatment of dysgeusia varies, depending on the cause. If the dysgeusia you are experiencing is due to pregnancy, it will usually go away after the first trimester has passed. Meanwhile, if it is caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals, then the consumption of certain supplements can help overcome dysgeusia.
The condition of dysgeusia certainly affects the taste of food that enters the mouth. In order for the body’s nutrients to be met without feeling tortured, avoid consuming foods that consist of many flavors, and avoid spicy, sweet, and preservative foods.
Ageusia
If a person with dysgeusia complains of a bitter or unpleasant taste in the sense of taste, the person with age is not able to feel any taste or a total loss of function of the sense of taste.
This condition can be experienced by all age groups but is more common in adults over the age of 50.
In addition to losing the function of the taste buds so that they can not taste anything, ageusia can also be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, ranging from high blood pressure ( hypertension ), allergic reactions, oral health disorders, to a stuffy nose.
Ageusia is a rare case and is not life-threatening. However, this condition can lead to a variety of health disorders, such as malnutrition, unintentional weight loss, depression, loss of appetite, and immune system disorders.
There are several conditions that can trigger aging, including:
1. Influenza
2. Sinus infections
3. Injury to the tongue
4. Infections, including COVID-19
5. Inflammation of the throat
6. Obesity
7. Diabetes
8. Alzheimer’s disease
9. Multiple sclerosis
Not only certain diseases, aging can also be caused by the consumption of drugs, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, antihistamines, cardiovascular drugs, antifungals, and antivirals.
Just like dysgeusia, the treatment of ageusia also depends on the cause. So, make sure you consult a doctor first if you are aging, to get the right treatment. Because in some conditions, ageusia can also heal on its own.
To prevent dysgeusia or ageusia, you can take the following steps:
1. Avoid the use of tobacco products, such as smoking
2. Brush your teeth regularly every day
3. Adequate white water consumption
4. Prevent infection by living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining good hygiene
5. Visit the dentist regularly for a dental checkup
Well, after recognizing the differences between dysgeusia and ageusia, you can be aware of the various accompanying symptoms and diseases that may arise as a result of this condition.
So, if you complain of taste disorders, such as the appearance of a metallic taste or bad taste in the mouth, and even the loss of the ability to taste food or drink, you should consult a doctor to get proper treatment.