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Taste and Smell Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Older Adults

Taste and Smell Disorders

Our senses of taste and smell provide pleasure, ensure proper nutrition, and act as a protective mechanism against hazards like spoiled food or gas leaks.

Overview

Taste helps us enjoy food and beverages, while smell allows us to experience scents and fragrances. These senses also protect us by alerting us to spoiled food or gas leaks and encouraging us to eat, which ensures we receive necessary nutrition.

Disorders

People with taste disorders may taste things that are not there, may not be able to distinguish between different tastes, or may lose their sense of taste entirely. People with smell disorders may lose their sense of smell, or find that things smell different; a scent they once enjoyed may now smell unpleasant.

Causes and Treatment

Many illnesses and injuries can cause taste and smell disorders, including colds and head injuries. Some drugs can also affect these senses, and most people experience a decline in their ability to taste and smell as they age. Treatment varies depending on the specific problem and its underlying cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many medications, including some antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, and chemotherapy agents, can alter or suppress taste and smell as a side effect. This is often temporary and reversible once the medication is discontinued or the dose is adjusted. If you notice a significant change in your senses after starting a new prescription, do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, but report the symptom so they can evaluate whether a different treatment option is available.
ge-related decline, known as presbyosmia, is a gradual, natural loss of sensitivity to smells and tastes that occurs over many years due to the natural aging of nerve cells. In contrast, a head injury can cause an abrupt and often more severe loss of smell or taste, sometimes accompanied by phantom smells (parosmia) where familiar scents smell unpleasant. Recovery from injury-related disorders varies widely and may require specialized rehabilitation or medical intervention.
For most people, taste and smell functions begin to improve as the nasal congestion and inflammation resolve, typically within two to four weeks after the cold ends. However, in some cases, the recovery can take several months. If your sense of smell or taste has not improved at all after four to six weeks, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other underlying causes or to discuss potential treatments.
voiding exposure to strong chemical fumes, smoke, and excessive alcohol can help preserve olfactory nerve health. Maintaining good nasal hygiene by using saline rinses during colds or allergies can prevent inflammation from damaging the sensory receptors. Additionally, eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and staying hydrated supports overall nerve function. Regularly testing your sense of smell with familiar scents can help you detect changes early.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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