What Causes Strange Taste In Mouth Post Tonsillectomy?

Posted on Fri, 23 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 9 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : i had a tonsil removed in october and i am expieriencing a strange smell and taste in my mouth and nose also nothing tastes right to me

Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (-1 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This could be complication of tonsillectomy.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I had gone through your question. This could be complication of tonsillectomy. This is rare complication following tonsillectomy.
As an ENT surgeon I have seen very few, I can say one or two of my patients complaining of taste disturbance. One of them recovered in 2 weeks and the other took 2 months. Recent studies shows that this can even take 6 months to recover.
The cause for taste disturbance could be damage of taste buds located on tongue by the tongue blade used during the surgery.
I recommend the following.
1) Avoid cleaning the tongue hard.
2) Citrus fruits stimulate taste buds and might facilitate in faster recovery.

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions , I am happy to help you.
Wish you a speedy recovery.

Regards,
Dr Paparaja S MBBS MS

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