What Causes Loss of Taste Sense?

QUESTION: It seemed to come on gradually, but now I find that I have lost my
sense of taste. My food no longer has the kick it once had, and I guess I am
eating less because of this. Can you explain the cause of this, and what may
be done to help me?
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ANSWER: You are not alone, for taste and smell disorders are common problems
and may afflict as many as two million Americans. Since taste may depend upon
our ability to smell, both senses require careful evaluation in the search for
the explanation for a loss of taste. The cells which are responsible for
detecting odors and tastes are stimulated by molecules contained in foods we
eat and substances we smell. These cells transmit the sensations to the brain
for identification. However the ability of the cells to function properly
declines with advancing years. The sense of smell for example is most acute
between the ages of 30 and 60, then diminishes so that many older people are
affected as you are. There are other reasons to explore though, since loss of
smell and taste may be caused by dental problems, during upper respiratory
infections, after injuries to the head, and exposure to certain chemicals. If
you are a smoker, your ability to distinguish between different tastes and
detect odors may suffer as well. While some medications reduce abilities
others, such as antiallergy drugs, may improve the senses of taste and smell.
You may help yourself considerably if you can determine circumstances that
seem to affect your tasting abilities, and making note of it. Do seasonal
changes or exposure to chemical sprays seem to make a difference? Take these
important notes along with a listing of all the medications you are taking to
your physician at your next visit. They will help in the complete history and
examination that may lead to the solving of this problem.