Um...this is new. I woke up yesterday unable to taste. I'm really hoping someone here might be able to help before my appointment with my doctor (well, one of his residents, at least) tomorrow.

Basically, after some testing, I've determined that I am unable to taste anything on the top of my tongue. I can taste anything in the rest of my mouth, so it seems the sides and tip of my tongue are working fine. I have not lost my sense of smell, and I don't have a cold that I know of I don't think I ate anything too out of the ordinary, but the last thing I ate on Monday night was a PB&J sandwich made with peanut butter that was way out of date.

I know this is a very weird post, but I'm somewhat freaking out here. I'm definitely not a hypochondriac, so I'm not making this up. In fact, I probably tell myself I'm fine when I might have a cold. This is the first time that I've been a little weirded out because I have no explanation for it.

Is there someone here that can help?

I can't help... but I just thought I'd identify with you a bit... I've lost the feeling in the right side of the tip of the index finger on my left hand. Happened about 2 weeks ago and hasn't come back. I guess I should see a doc about it. Let us know how it goes... that is odd!

You might try some experiments on yourself. In addition to taste tests (salty, sweet, sour, bitter), you could also get somebody to poke your tongue with something (maybe a q-tip) to see whether you can feel touch or not. Definitely have a doctor check you out, though. Most likely, it's something relatively benign, but they will want to test for more serious but lower probability conditions as well.

I did that once too, although it was tightening something with a small screwdriver that did it. It was a sharp pain followed by numbness, although sensation came back after an hour or two. It was pressure on the inside of the knuckle that did it, I assume that must be where the nerves are.

Yikes! Have you now or in the recent past used any of those new-fangled homeopathic anti-cold medicines. Zicam or the like? I've heard of and partially experienced (psychosomatic?) a lost of taste after using them. I've since quit using that kind all together, Cold Ease works better for me...w/o the side-effects.

-Tim

Try sticking a 9volt battery on the tip of your tongue to see if you can feel that... Shock therapy?

Do you notice any other symptoms at all?

Meanwhile, NyQuil is okay, but Vicks Formula 44 (original) is still my favorite "mixer". NyQuil has too many other additives that make the sleep I get a little, uh, funky.

Can you taste again? I sure hope so!

Thanks for the concern! I went to the doctor, who told me "the most common cause is allergies." I guess allergies can creep up over the years, but I've never had any that I know of, and wouldn't I have other symptoms other than a partial loss of taste?

Anyway, he ordered some bloodwork and gave me a referral to an Ear Nose and Throat guy. I've been insanely busy, though, so I haven't exactly had the time to get anything done. I'll make sure to do it soon, though.

I think I also delayed slightly because I think that some of my taste buds seem to have returned, but I might just be getting used to how things are now. Sigh...

Interesting. If it is allergy related, the last thing you had (and mentioned in this thread) was out of date peanut butter. Peanut is, of course, one of the more extreme of allergens. It might be worthwhile to cut peanuts out of your diet to see if that helps.

True, but I'm pretty sure I haven't had any peanuts or things made with peanuts since then, and it's been well over a week. Besides, I've eat at Five Guys (local burger chain) about 5 times in the last two months, and they cook everything with peanut oil, and have peanuts in big bins for you to snack on.

Out of curiousity, does anyone know whether toothpaste might hurt your tastebuds if it sits on your tongue too long? (I know, weird question)

For the past year or two my mother has not been able to taste anything. I'll ask her tonight what it was all about and get back to you. It may give you some ideas of what it could be.

Heh, yup. I love that show of his that keeps getting replayed on CC. The one with the horse joke