[Dysphagia] taste disturbance

[vstefans at george.ach.uams.edu (Vikki Stefans)]

OK, first thing I think of for this is GERD (reflux) which can defintiely 
do this. Second thing is look up side effects of all her meds and 
supplements, RX, OTC or herbal. Third thing - dental or sinus issues. But 
probably GERD should be first, second and third, it is so common..

BTW relatively minor car wrecks could lead to fractures of the cribriform 
plate and loss of olfaction without much in the way of TBI (or with 
frontal lobe injury).

Zonc deficiency can lead to decreased taste and olfaction and therefore a 
vicious cycle, since it usually becomes deficient via poor intake and poor 
diet.

Vikki Stefans, M.D., pediatric physiatrist (rehab doc for kids) at UAMS
and Arkansas Children's Hospital.  Working Mom of Sarah T. and Michael C.,
and wife of Henry Stefans. Every mom is a working mom!- OK, dads too.

On Fri, 3 Feb 2006, Aviva Debinski wrote:

> A 74 year old lady has suddenly developed severe taste disturbance including 
> as she describes continual  bitter salty and sour tasting saliva . There has 
> been no change to the amount nor consistency of oral secretions. Past history 
> is generallyt unremarkable : she is fit and well and very active in mind and 
> body., however recently was involved on a very minor car accident as a 
> pedestrian and commenced Tramal for pain but ceased taking it after only 2 
> doses as she developed other side effects which disappeared with cessation of 
> the med. Long standing history includes olfactory dysfunction approx 10 years 
> ago which was tthought to be post viral according to the neurologist.