This study demonstrated that radiation-induced taste deficits can be recovered by 6 months. There were significant elevations in thresholds for sweet (p < 0.005), salty (p < 0.005), bitter (p < 0.005), and sour (p< 0.001) during radiation therapy that were restored to baseline levels at 6 months and 1 year after radiation.

Smell recognition was unaffected by radiation. However, as you age, these senses can change, and you may experience a change or even loss of smell and taste ( 1 ). These taste buds help us enjoy the five primary tastes: sweet sour salty bitter umami Various factors can affect our taste buds and change the way we perceive taste, including aging, illness. Differences for smell recognition and the 4 taste qualities were assessed (independently) at the 4 time intervals, with a one-way ANOVA. Diet Tips Prevention Tips Infographic: Home Remedies For Loss Of Taste And Smell Frequently Asked Questions Key Takeaways How Do Smell And Taste Work Your senses of smell and taste are often connected. Smell recognition and taste detection thresholds were determined at baseline, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year post-radiation. One or both parotid glands and at least two-thirds of the tongue were included in the radiation field. A doctor might send you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist, called an otolaryngologist, to determine. In the present longitudinal study, 13 patients (mean age = 51.6 yrs) received conventional or hyperfractionated radiotherapy (63-76.8 Gy) for primary tumors of the oropharynx. Sometimes, your taste buds may function just fine, but your sense of smell is the problem. Previous investigators have reported deficits in taste acuity in patients following radiation therapy for oropharyngeal cancer.

What helps to get your taste buds back