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Palliative cancer care - oral problems - Management
How should I treat someone who has alteration in taste?
- Stress the importance of good oral hygiene. See Self care.
- Treat dry mouth if present.
- Treat oral candidiasis. See Oral Candida infection.
- Withdraw treatment with drugs that may induce or increase symptoms (Table 1).
- Refer to a dietitian where appropriate. Give general advice whilst awaiting an appointment.
- If loss of taste follows radiotherapy, reassure the person that taste acuity is partially restored 20–60 days after radiotherapy and is usually fully restored within 2–4 months.
- Some experts recommend a trial of an oral zinc salt.
In depth
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