John Malaty, Irene A C Malaty
Smell and taste disorders can be challenging to diagnose because of the large number of potential etiologies. Patients are often unable to provide a clear history of symptoms, because they frequently cannot distinguish between difficulties with smell and taste. Standardized questionnaires may be helpful in diagnosis. Smell and taste dysfunction have been implicated in loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, malnutrition, and reduced quality of life. Taste dysfunction may be complete or partial, and affect one or more aspects of taste (sweetness, bitterness, sourness, saltiness, and umami [savory])...
December 15, 2013: American Family Physician