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Updated: May 16, 2026
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Taste Exam: A Brief and Validated Test
Published on: August 17, 2018
Characteristics of taste disorders
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell and Taste Clinic, Technical University of Dresden Medical School, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
Summary
Taste disorders affect over 10% of patients, with idiopathic, posttraumatic, and postoperative causes being most common. Symptoms range from reduced taste to altered taste sensations, with unknown causes in about a third of cases.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Taste disorders are a significant complaint impacting quality of life.
- Understanding the epidemiology and etiology of taste dysfunction is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency, causes, and symptoms of taste disorders.
- To analyze the relationship between causes and specific taste alterations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 4,680 new patients between 1998 and 2011.
- Inclusion of 491 patients diagnosed with taste disorders.
- Comprehensive otorhinolaryngological examination including taste and smell function assessment.
Main Results:
- Taste disorders were identified in 10.5% of patients.
- The most frequent causes were idiopathic (34%), posttraumatic (24%), and postoperative (15%).
- Idiopathic and postoperative cases often presented with hypogeusia and parageusia, while posttraumatic cases showed higher rates of ageusia. Qualitative taste problems were reported by 21% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic, posttraumatic, and postoperative factors are primary contributors to taste disorders.
- Specific taste alterations correlate with the underlying cause of the disorder.
- A significant portion of dysgeusia cases remain without a known cause, highlighting the need for further research.
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