Taste, loss of

Loss of the sense of taste, usually as a result of the loss of the sense of smell. The most common cause is inflammation of the nasal passages. Other causes of loss of taste include any condition that causes a dry mouth (see mouth, dry); natural degeneration of the taste buds; damage to the taste buds from stomatitis, mouth cancer, or radiotherapy to the mouth; or damage to nerves that carry taste sensations.