Health

A loss in smell or taste

Published

4 years ago

November 10, 2020

Our 5 senses let us know what’s going on around us in the world. Imagine if we were to lose two of these vital sense organs. Being unable to smell and taste will be very disruptive to your daily routine and will diminish your quality of life significantly. Without a sense of smell or taste, one may be in danger and not realize it; whether it is inhaling toxic fumes or consuming too much salt or sugar unwittingly. Unfortunately, not many of us are aware that these symptoms can be treated with medical attention.

Loss of taste or smell is a condition which needs a medical consultation. It is important to visit a top ENT surgeon to diagnose the cause behind your symptoms. In Singapore, The ENT Clinic has state of the art facilities with well experienced and qualified ENT doctors who use modern methods for diagnosis and treatment. Once resolved you will find yourself enjoying your favorite foods again and a greater appreciation for having all your senses working in natural order..

Is taste and smell linked?

There is a close connection between your sense of taste and smell. Both taste and smell play a complementary role on how you identify and acknowledge flavour. If you have trouble distinguishing the 5 basic taste sensations of sweet and sour, bitter or saltiness and savoury, it could be that your taste buds as well as the sense of smell is affected. A good example is trying to hold your nose while tasting a lemonade. It should give you a tough time naming the flavour.

How do you identify if you have a taste and smell disorder?

Individuals who have taste disorders could have:

The sense of taste being distorted
Hypogeusia- Partial ability to taste with a reduced taste sensation
A phantom taste sensation of tasting something which isn’t there.
Agesia – a complete loss of taste could also happen rarely

Sweet, sour, bitter and salty tastes cannot be identified with precision.

Disorders in smell include:

Variation in the sense of smell
Loss in the ability to smell
Hyposmia – reduced ability to detect smell
Anosmia – complete lack of smell
Distortion in sense of smell – sweet scents could appear as foul smelling

What are the causes of taste and smell disorders?

In a small percentage of people, loss of taste and smell can be a congenital disorder. However, most of the other causes maybe related to:

Respiratory infections such as sinus infections, allergies or common cold
Hormonal variations
Injury to the head
Nasal polyps
Lack of dental hygiene and dental disorders
Exposure to chemicals
Radiation therapy to the head and neck
Consumption of certain medicines
Illicit drug inhalation
Cigarette smoking
Certain surgeries to the middle ear or third molar extraction
Ageing which makes sense of smell and taste less accurate

Can loss of smell and taste be a concern for health problems?

Yes, a loss of smell and taste can be a concern for bigger health problems. A number of health conditions are related to loss of taste and smell. These include:

Diseases of the nervous system such as Parkinson Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis
Hypertension
Obesity
Diabetes
Brain Cancer
Gland disorders such as Kallmann’s syndrome
Korsakoff’s psychosis
Dental and gum problems
Seizure disorders
Vitamin deficiency and Malnutrition

How are taste and smell disorders diagnosed?

Your ENT doctor will do a complete physical assessment and inquire about your medical history.

There are a few tests done to confirm the status:

Scratch and Sniff test – this test will help your doctor to understand if you are able to name the common odours.
Measuring the lowest intensity of a compound which a person can recognise – this will give an indication of your potential to sense a chemical. Along with measuring intensity, taste comparisons may also be done
Sip, spit and rinse tests – your ENT doctor will place chemicals on different parts of your tongue and you will be asked to identify the tastes.
Examination of the nasal cavity, sinuses and oral cavity through endoscopy or a CT scan

How are taste and smell disorders treated?

The otolaryngologist will recommend treatment based on your age, overall health and physical wellness. In addition you will be checked to see how well you are able to cope with certain procedures and medicines. The doctors at the ENT Clinic Singapore will take your preferences and opinions too, to finally land on a treatment option.

If the taste and smell disorder is due to an underlying medical condition such as sinusitis or a respiratory condition, then treating this condition will help to relieve the symptoms. Adjusting the dosage of medications or changing medications could help in some instances. It may be necessary to undergo certain procedures at times, like with the removal of nasal polyps or a surgery to help overcome any nasal blockages.

Your doctor may also counsel you to change any bad habits such as smoking or consumption of illicit drugs.

Can losing smell and taste cause complications?

Losing these two senses impacts on your quality of life. The dangers lie as you will pay less attention to possible fires, toxic fumes, a gas leak or consumption of spoiled beverages and food. Disorders to taste could affect your nutrition levels leading to malnutrition and vitamin deficiency. This opens doors to a reduced immune system which can aggravate simple health problems.

What if I have lost my sense of taste or smell?

Seek medical advice without delay. This condition will resolve when the underlying medical condition is treated. Quitting smoking or taking drugs can improve your senses.

If there is a permanent loss of taste, you can enjoy better meals by eating warm food and enhancing the taste of food with strong flavors by adding herbs in foods. Making food more visually appealing and mixing food textures can help.

Some health facts to keep in mind about taste and smell disorders:

Losing your ability to taste and smell is the most common taste and smell disorder
A distorted sense of smell can occur where fragrant smells may appear unpleasant
Treatment for above symptoms include treating underlying causes
Taste and smell disorders affect quality of life.
Taste and smell disorders can be treated.

What should I do if I have a taste and smell disorder?

If you are in Singapore, then a preferred choice by many patients is the ENT Clinic Singapore. Before you visit you can jot down the questions you have in mind and once you meet your ENT specialist you can discuss further, including new medicines and treatment options available to you and discuss at length any side effects. Conveniently located in Mt. Elizabeth Novena Hospital and Gleneagles Hospital in Singapore, the practice offers comprehensive otolaryngological care.

Health

Demystifying Health Insurance: Insights from Celia Reeves for Making Informed Choices for Better Care

Published

9 hours ago

October 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Making informed choices for better care starts with a clear understanding of your options and a careful evaluation to ensure the best possible outcomes. Health insurance plays a crucial role in mitigating the risk of accumulating medical debt. To make the most informed decisions, begin by consulting reliable sources and seeking expert opinions. Engaging with healthcare professionals to discuss your specific needs and preferences allows you to weigh the benefits, risks, and costs associated with each option. Additionally, staying updated on the latest advancements and treatments is essential. By actively participating in the decision-making process and staying well-informed, you can enhance your care experience and achieve more personalized, effective results.

Navigating the complex world of health insurance can be daunting, given the wide array of plans and their intricate details. Yet, understanding the different types of health insurance policies and their implications is crucial for making informed decisions that not only enhance the quality of your care but also safeguard you against unexpected medical expenses. Alarmingly, about four in ten adults (41%) report being burdened by debt from unpaid medical or dental bills. The high cost of care is a significant barrier, with 9.3% of adults in 2022 avoiding doctor visits due to financial concerns. Simplifying these key aspects of health insurance—such as various plan types, common pitfalls, and effective strategies for selecting the most suitable coverage—is essential for better financial and health outcomes.

Amidst these complexities, Celia Reeves, also known as Celia “Cici” Reeves, the dynamic CEO and founder of Medical Coding Mama, provides a powerful example of how personal experiences can shape professional expertise. As CEO of Medical Coding Mama, Celia’s journey began with a profound personal experience: the support she received from doctors during her late husband’s battle with cancer. Inspired by this, she pursued a career in medical coding, dedicating herself to her studies and earning national certification in 2009. Her career flourished in Tucson, Arizona, where she worked with the state’s first female urologist and later founded Medical Coding Mama in 2016.

This venture allowed her to combine her coding knowledge with her experiences as a single parent, furthering her impact on the medical coding community. Today, Celia continues to excel in her field, finding joy in Arizona sunsets and spending time with her teenage daughter, all while contributing significantly to the medical coding community. Her story underscores the tangible effects of healthcare on individuals’ lives, bridging the gap between the abstract intricacies of insurance and the real-world impact of medical care.

Types of Health Insurance Plans

Health insurance plans come in various forms, with Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) being two of the most common.

HMOs require members to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and get referrals from this PCP to see specialists. While these plans often have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, they limit access to healthcare providers within the HMO’s network.
PPOs on the other hand, offer greater flexibility. Members can see any healthcare provider without a referral, though staying within the network reduces out-of-pocket costs. PPOs typically have higher premiums but provide more freedom in selecting providers and accessing services.

Another option is Co-operative health plans (co-ops), which are member-run organizations operating on a non-profit basis. These plans can offer more affordable coverage through collective bargaining, but they vary significantly in structure and coverage, making thorough research essential.

Avoiding Unexpected Medical Bills

Celia highlights the importance of thoroughly understanding your health insurance policy to prevent unexpected medical expenses. “I admit, the policy can be tedious to read, but skipping it can lead to more trouble than it’s worth. It will clearly outline what’s covered and what isn’t,” she explains.

She advises reviewing your coverage details to understand which services, treatments, and medications are included. Pay close attention to whether your plan uses in-network or out-of-network providers, as opting for out-of-network care often results in higher costs. Additionally, familiarize yourself with deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance rates to better budget for medical expenses and avoid financial surprises.

Common Pitfalls in Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

One significant pitfall is choosing a plan based solely on its cost. While lower premiums may be appealing, they often come with trade-offs like higher deductibles or limited coverage. Another common mistake is not fully understanding what is covered under the policy. This can lead to discovering gaps in coverage only after incurring medical expenses.

To avoid these issues, focus on “non-negotiables”—the crucial services and benefits that must be included in your plan based on your health needs. Prioritizing these ensures that your chosen plan adequately covers necessary treatments and services.

Comparing Health Insurance Plans

When selecting a health insurance plan, Celia emphasizes the importance of considering several key factors to ensure you choose the one that best fits your needs.

First, be transparent about any pre-existing conditions to evaluate how effectively the plan addresses your specific health concerns. Next, verify that the plan covers your medications and understand how these are categorized in the formulary, as this will influence your out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, compare the plan’s coverage options for specialist care, emergency services, and preventive care to ensure it aligns with your overall healthcare requirements.

Resources for Understanding Health Insurance

Understanding your health insurance benefits becomes much simpler with the right resources. As Celia advises, don’t hesitate to reach out to the insurance professionals who sold you the policy—they’re there to answer your questions and can act as a crucial link between you and the insurer, especially if any issues arise with your coverage. The Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) is another essential tool, offering a clear overview of key policy details to help you quickly grasp the important features and limitations. Additionally, online tools and calculators allow you to compare different plans based on your specific health needs and financial situation, ensuring you select the best option for your circumstances.

Making informed choices about health insurance involves understanding the types of plans available, recognizing the importance of policy details, and being aware of common pitfalls. By carefully comparing options and utilizing available resources, you can select a plan that best meets your healthcare needs and financial constraints.