Building a Positive Health Human Future with Technology

Symptom Checker


Step4: Read and complete the decision guide to learn more about your symptoms.


Smell and Taste Loss


Okay, that's helpful information because those symptoms may help explain why you have trouble with taste.


For example:


- Redness or a sore feeling in the mouth could be due to infection or inflammation, which can impair the sense of taste; potential causes include herpes and Coxsackie virus infections and vitamin B12 deficiency


- A white coating on the tongue and lining of the mouth may be due to thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth)


- Dental procedures or implants can impair the sensation of taste, although usually only temporarily


- Dryness of the mouth (a condition called SICCA) can be due to age, Sjogren's syndrome (an autoimmune condition), medications, dehydration, and other reasons


Just a few more questions:


Do you smoke? Are you over the age of 65?


Yes, I smoke and/or am over age 65.


Nope, I don't smoke and I'm 65 or younger.