After Tonsillectomy: Sense of Taste
Taste after tonsillectomy or sense of taste are subjects of much discussion on the tonsillectomy forum. The experience of tonsillectomy has rippling effects upon individuals, beginning with the anticipation of surgery and, hopefully, extending long after surgery in improved quality of life. During the first two weeks of recovery, tonsillectomy patients’ daily lives are turned upside down. The daily diet is often limited to liquids and very smooth, soft foods like gelatin. Narcotic pain medications are usually taken several times per day. Sleep is erratic and often fitful. Activity levels are greatly reduced. When the fog of pain, fatigue, and disruption lifts, one of the first irregularities patients complain of is an altered sense of taste. Let’s take a moment to look at tonsillectomy and its effect on sense of taste.
The American Academy of Otalayngology- Head and Neck Surgery describes how taste sensation works as,
Gustatory (taste nerve) cells are clustered in the taste buds of the mouth and throat. They react to food or drink mixed with saliva. Many of the small bumps that can be seen on the tongue contain taste buds. These surface cells send taste information to nearby nerve fibers, which send messages to the brain.
I suggest that several factors contribute to disturbances in a person’s sense of taste after tonsillectomy. Firstly, tonsillectomy surgery itself can cause bruising to the tongue, where taste buds reside. Most patients complain of tongue pain after surgery.
It’s also likely that the post tonsillectomy diet has an impact on the patient’s sense of taste for some time after recovery. Many experts point out that taste buds are in a constant state of growth. As people eat various rough textured foods, small amounts of tissue scrape off and are replaced by new growth. Many believe that the almost liquid diet of most tonsillectomy patients disrupts this process and thus, affects their sense of taste.
Still another camp holds that deficiency in zinc after tonsillectomy contributes to these taste disruptions. JOSEPH M. BICKNELL, MD and ROBERT V. WIGGINS, MD published in the Western Journal of Medicine in October of 1988. [Bicknell JM, Wiggins RV: Taste disorder from zinc deficiency after tonsillectomy.West J Med 1988 Oct; 149:457460] They followed two tonsillectomy patients who complained of unpleasant taste sensation after tonsillectomy. The patients complained of changes in their sense of taste after tonsillectomy. They used descriptions like, coppery, or metallic when interviewed. Both had these complaints two months after tonsillectomy surgery. The doctors tested liver and thyroid function, as well as hepatitis. All were normal, but serum zinc levels were low in both patients. They were given 220mg zinc supplements twice per day. Within three weeks, the zinc levels were normal. They reported tastes improving after ten days, and after 22 days, the metallic sensation had ended. I’ve read anecdotal accounts on the tonsillectomy forum from people having success with zinc supplements after tonsillectomy. Ask your doctor before trying the zinc supplement for tonsillectomy and sense of taste.
Considering all the variables, one must also consider the effects of both antibiotics and narcotic pain killers over a two week period on the sense of taste. The FDA does not list taste disturbance as a side effect of either penicillin or hydrocodone. (the two most commonly prescribed medications after tonsillectomy in the U.S.) There has been a connection between the use of oral antibiotics and oral thrush, (Fungal infection – mouth; Candida)
It is very common to experience an altered sense of taste after tonsillectomy. Most people feel that their taste returns to normal within three to six weeks. However some may experience unpleasant taste sensation for several months.
It was truly depressing for me that my favorite cocktail, (the bloody Mary), tasted like something from the planet salt for months after surgery. Thankfully, within 5 months, my sense of taste was completely back to normal.
There is some light at the end of the tunnel for taste sufferers. I’m about 6 weeks out and most of my taste is back to normal. Things were exceptionally salty for a little bit and then it started to ease off. However (and very sadly) chocolate is still on the “that’s weird” list. So sad with Halloween coming up too : (
Interestingly, I have lost all taste for Soda. I can’t tolerate the taste, the feeling. That was surprising but welcome as soda’s just a perfect storm of chemicals that will end up killing you.
I’ve also found that I don’t drink enough water, still feels a bit weird with the change in the mechanism of swallowing.
Hello Amy,
Did you notice the salty taste in your mouth constantly? If so, when did it go away? I had my surgery one month ago and all I can taste is alrtness in the back of my tongue and mouth. Did you experience this? I’m trying to find answers from someone who went through the same thing.
Thank you
Hey Leslie. I hade the same experience. Many do. Foods tasted odd for a few months, then gradually things went back to normal. Good luck to you.
Thank you Greg!
Hello Greg,
Sorry to bother you, but was the salty taste consitanlty in your mouth 24/7 before you regained your taste back? I’m stressing out and haven’t been able to eat for several days. My appetite was fine up to four days ago. I’ve been reading literature on this issue and it’s not putting my mind to ease. I’m glad you created this page for people dealing with the same issues can get some sort of answers to their questions. Thanks again!
Hey Leslie. Sorry for the slow response. Yes, I remember the salty taste. It made certain foods taste awful. It took me a few months before red wine tasted right but I got there. I’m pretty sure you’ll get there too but if you have concerns it would be good to check with your doctors. I’m just a patient like you! Take care and please stay in touch. I’d love to hear how you do.
Hello Amy,
When you say everything was salty for a little bit, was your mouth salty all the time? Thank you
Hi I’m 44 year old female had my tonsils out by cauterization on September 3, 2013. First couple days to 1 st week post op my tongue felt uncomfortable I know it was because had to retract tongue to get to tonsils. Dr did mention that I might experience ear pain because nerve in head & neck effected. If I didn’t stay on top of pain meds had terrible ear aches- had to hold pillows over my ears till pain meds kicked in. Had post op visit 1 week out everything OK told me normal for ear aches and tongue discomfort try to gargling. Then next day started to bleed small amounts that stopped right away. Back to Drs office STRESSED complete bedrest nothing elsewhich is hard thing to do when you have housework to be done. Next day bleeding again went back to dr for in office cautery sprayed topical anesthesia in area tasted horrible was trying not to cough didn’t want to swallow either so throw up and burst blood vessel. But the cautery procedure was successful but STRICT INSTRUCTIONS complete bedrest and NO SNEEZING, COUGHING, YAWNING, BURPING OR CLEARING OF THROAT. How are you not suppose to do those things? LOL Good luck. Went back for 2 week post-op check still very weak for surgery 1 more week out of work. I couldn’t believe have weak I felt because I’m active for 44 yrs old female do spin class 2x week and personnal training 1-2x week depends on work and walk my dog several times a day. Today 26 days post-op haven’t regained my taste buds @ all … love to eat have a sweet tooth but nothing taste good @ all. Still trying to eat Chocolate & salty foods but nothing taste right …. feels like I have cotton balls in back of throat. Nothing I eat satisfying me so eating more lost 10lbs after surgery gained back 5 lbs already. I think it’s God attempt @ sense of humor he knows I could stand to lose weight!!! LOL I really appreciated everyone’s comments I too wasn’t told about the taste bud problem even if I was would have still had surgery. Foods that helped were applesauce, Jello, Dunkin Donuts Coolatas but NO USING STRAWS will cause you to bleed. No 7-11 slurpees type because soda in them makes you burp from carbonation. Will discuss taking Zinc to help. FYI should check with your DR before taking any vitamins, herbs or minerals because they may have effect on your bodies healing!!!
A week after my op, still no sense of taste. Wish my doctor had told me. Very frustrating. At least there is medicine for the pain. Any suggestion as to what to do?
A week after my op, still no sense of taste. Wish my doctor had told me. Very frustrating. At least there is medicine for the pain.
Hey Guys! Im in week 3 post op and my taste is almost back to normal! its been absolutly disgusting after the op. i went and saw my dr and she said i had oral thush (which if you look at the side bar it has its own section as its rather common after a tonsillectomy) she gave me some antibiotics to clear the major infection and some liquid oral thrush solution. dont put up with the taste do something about it! trust me you can get rid of it sooner 🙂