Question:
My mom says everything tastes sweet to her. All foods, drinks, etc. She is concerned that this may be related to a more severe medical condition. Does anyone know if this sweet sensation is symptomatic of any specific condition or disease?

Thanks.

Keith

Answer:
Sometimes, certain medications can cause this. Your mom should be worked up for possible diabetes.


Answer:
Hey Keith, how are you doing?

Any treatment of olfactory disorders must first treat the specific causative abnormality if it has been identified from diagnostic tests, history, and physical examination. Local nasal and/or sinus conditions should be optimally managed with nasal sprays, decongestants, antihistamines, antibiotics, and/or nasal and systemic steroids, if applicable.

Disorders of taste and smell generally have been difficult to diagnose and treat, often because of a lack of knowledge and understanding of these senses and their disease states. An alteration in taste or smell may be a secondary process in various disease states, or it may be the primary complaint.

Loss of smell and/or taste may be life threatening, impairing detection of smoke in a fire or ability to identify spoiled food. Although often discounted and overlooked in the basic examination, deficiencies in taste and smell can cause anxiety, depression, and even nutritional deficiencies due to decreased enjoyment of food.

Abnormalities in taste and smell can accompany or indicate the existence of diseases or conditions such as: obesitydiabeteshypertensionmalnutritiondegenerative diseases of the nervous system such as:

Parkinson's diseaseAlzheimer's disease

Although some people are born with chemosensory disorders, most are caused by: illness (i.e., upper respiratory infection, sinus infection)injury to the headhormonal disturbancesdental problemsexposure to certain chemicalscertain medicationsexposure to radiation therapy for head or neck cancer For the common cold or flu, taste senses should return to normal after the illness has past. For smokers, stop smoking.

Contact your health care provider if there are prolonged and unexplained taste abnormalities or abnormal taste is associated with other symptoms. Nutritional deficits may be reversed with zinc, vitamin A, thiamine, or any other specific nutrient that may be lacking.

Smell and Taste Disorders Clinic
SUNY Upstate Medical University

Best wishes,


The Prison Hospital

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