Overview
Dysgeusia refers to an altered or damaged tasting perception, often multifactorial in etiology including polypharmacy, infections, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. It affects approximately 5% of the population and is linked to significant nutritional status alterations, such as weight loss and poor dietary intake 12.Diagnosis
Clinical history and symptom assessment are crucial 12.
No specific diagnostic tests universally recommended; evaluation often includes nutritional status assessment 1.
Consideration of comorbid conditions and medication review essential 2.Management
Address underlying causes (e.g., medication adjustments, treating infections) 12.
Nutritional support and dietary modifications recommended to mitigate weight loss and malnutrition 1.
Taste rehabilitation therapies may be considered, though specific drug treatments are not detailed in the abstracts 1.Special Populations
Elderly: Higher prevalence and complexity due to polypharmacy and comorbidities; careful management of nutritional intake crucial 2.
Comorbidities: Patients with chronic diseases like heart failure and diabetes may require additional dietary counseling to avoid exacerbations 2.Key Recommendations
Regularly assess nutritional status in patients with dysgeusia to prevent weight loss and malnutrition (Evidence: Moderate 1).
Evaluate and adjust medications that may contribute to dysgeusia in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities (Evidence: Moderate 2).
Implement dietary modifications and nutritional support tailored to individual needs, especially in vulnerable populations (Evidence: Moderate 1).References
1 Dellafiore F, Bascapè B, Caruso R, Conte G, Udugampolage NS, Carenzi L et al.. What is the relations between dysgeusia and alterations of the nutritional status? A metanarrative analysis of integrative review. Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis 2021. link
2 Syed Q, Hendler KT, Koncilja K. The Impact of Aging and Medical Status on Dysgeusia. The American journal of medicine 2016. link