parageusia
Meaning of parageusia: Parageusia is a persistent, unpleasant, or metallic taste sensation that occurs without a food source, a specific pattern of taste disturbance.
Definition of parageusia
Parageusia is a distorted or unpleasant taste sensation, often described as metallic, bitter, or foul, that can occur independent of eating or persist after food has been swallowed. It is considered one specific pattern within the broader category of taste disturbances collectively known as dysgeusia.
Parageusia can arise from a variety of causes, including certain medications, upper respiratory or sinus infections, dental or oral conditions, nerve damage affecting taste pathways, and some nutritional deficiencies. Because taste and smell are closely linked, a change in the sense of smell can also contribute to an abnormal taste perception.
Parageusia is distinct from ageusia, a complete loss of the sense of taste, and from hypogeusia, a reduced ability to taste, both of which describe a diminished rather than distorted taste experience.
Used in a sentence
The patient described a persistent metallic parageusia that began after starting a new medication.
Good to know
Parageusia describes a distorted taste sensation and is one specific pattern of dysgeusia, distinguishing it from ageusia and hypogeusia, which describe an absent or reduced sense of taste rather than a distorted one.
Word origin
Where “parageusia” comes from
Formed from para- (Greek, meaning "abnormal" or "beside") and geusis (Greek, meaning "taste.")