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Is There Any Illness That Can Alter Taste And Decrease Appetite?

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Posted on Wed, 12 Feb 2014
Question: My 88yr brother, over the years has many health issues ie: AF, CHF, Parkinsonism, COPD. He always maintained his weight. Recently, he began loosing weight with a decrease in appetite. He states, "all food seems to taste sweet." Is there any illness that can alter taste and appetite in this manor? Do you think perhaps, years of Prilose could cause this issue?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Possible side effects of medications he take&diabe Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Thank you for sharing the problem of your brother with XXXXXXX I have read the medical history of your brother and feel sorry for his current situation. The "sweet taste" he is feeling is due to the medications he is taking and because of diabetes (if uncontrolled). The weight loss he is feeling might be due the use of glipizide. Please check the blood sugar of your brother regularly to see if he is having hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Prilose itself when used for long time can also cause taste problems; however, a further evaluation with his doctor is needed to exclude hypoglycemia and liver problems. Hope it was of help! Dr.Klerida
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2266 Questions

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Is There Any Illness That Can Alter Taste And Decrease Appetite?

Brief Answer: Possible side effects of medications he take&diabe Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Thank you for sharing the problem of your brother with XXXXXXX I have read the medical history of your brother and feel sorry for his current situation. The "sweet taste" he is feeling is due to the medications he is taking and because of diabetes (if uncontrolled). The weight loss he is feeling might be due the use of glipizide. Please check the blood sugar of your brother regularly to see if he is having hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Prilose itself when used for long time can also cause taste problems; however, a further evaluation with his doctor is needed to exclude hypoglycemia and liver problems. Hope it was of help! Dr.Klerida