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Hi, I've Been Suffering With A Taste Disorder And Tongue

Posted on Fri, 5 Mar 2021

Question: Hi,
I've been suffering with a taste disorder and tongue coating/burning sensation for almost 4 years and can find no relief. I've visited several doctors and had several tests including iron, vitamin B, Zinc, thyroid, and a tongue biopsy. All results came back normal. The doctors have all told me the condition is not life threatening but I can't get any relief from all or at least most of my food tasting terrible. Some days my tongue burns very uncomfortably while other days it doesn't so much. I'm looking for anyone who might have some advice for this ongoing condition that causes me so much discomfort.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hii. Welcome to the healthcare services. There are many causes of taste dis

Detailed Answer:
Hii. Welcome to the healthcare services. There are many causes of taste disorder, burning sensation of thoat and tongue. It can be due to acid reflux, vitamin B 12 deficiency, candidiasis, gastritis or chronic bowel disease. So start with betadine gargle alternate with warm saline gargle. Take Zincovit once daily for 1 month. Visit an Ent surgeon and a Gastroenterologist. Do an endoscopy of the larynx and oesophagus to see if there is any abnormality present or not. Take tablet Esomeprazole 20 mg once daily before food for 1 week. Take Mucaine gel 10 ml before dinner for 2 week. If there is gastritis or chronic bowel disease then it can be treated accordingly with the help of medication. Drink more water. Avoid excess tea, coffee,spicy food, smoking,alcohol. Sleep after 2 hours of dinner. Please review if you have any queries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (4 hours later)

Hello and thank you for your reply. I've been tested for Candida several times with negative tests each time. I have taken several rounds of antibiotics that doctors prescribed just as a precaution if the tests were wrong. I've seen a Gastroenterologist that concluded it was not GERD. I've had vitamin B12 tested, it's normal, I took Esomeprazole for several months but noticed no difference in taste nor the tongue coating. i don't drink alcohol or tea, don't smoke, and have less than 1 cup of coffee per day. I don't eat spicy foods at all. I drink mostly water and some soft drink (12 oz. or less per day). I have no throat pain or tenderness, only my tongue and most often it's the front of the tongue that is raw or tender, not the back. Any other ideas?
Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (27 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hii. It is either geographic tongue due to vitamin deficiency or early chan

Detailed Answer:
Hii. It is either geographic tongue due to vitamin deficiency or early changes of submucosal fibrosis or candidiasis. So do warm saline gargle. Take some zinc supplement for 1 month. Take proper healthy diet. Give some time. It will resolve by its own.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T