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Catching Dysgeusia after a COVID-19 Infection

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By Josh Piers - June 06, 2022 - 5 Mins Read

Infection or disease

Taste changes have been recorded following influenza infection, hay fever, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions. COVID-19 is one of the most common causes of dysgeusia today, with loss of taste being one of the initial signs for many patients. According to research, dysgeusia affects between 33% and 50% of COVID-19 patients, albeit it is less common in newer forms. Long-term COVID has also been linked to this symptom. COVID-19 and other infections cause dysgeusia, but scientists aren't sure why. Some current theories focus on how the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which produces COVID-19, initiates an inflammatory response in the mouth by attaching to receptors. This could modify taste by causing alterations in molecular and cellular pathways. Because taste and smell are so closely linked, viral-induced damage to the nose lining may be enough to create taste problems. Taste buds, nerves involved in taste, and brain areas responsible for taste sensory processing could all be affected by the infection.