Taste disturbance post-tonsillectomy improved with zinc supplementation

Tyler A. Janz, Nishat A. Momin, Kirav P. Patel, Shiva Daram, Wasyl Szeremeta, Harold S. Pine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To discuss taste disturbance after tonsillectomy and the role of zinc therapy in the treatment of post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia. Methods: We herein report a rare presentation of dysgeusia after an uncomplicated tonsillectomy in an 11-year-old girl which improved post-operatively shortly after starting zinc supplementation. Results: Taste disturbances after tonsillectomy, although rare, may be attributable to multiple causes ranging from inadvertent glossopharyngeal nerve damage during surgery to zinc deficiency. Atypical anatomical distributions of dysgeusia after tonsillectomy prompted the consideration of zinc deficiency as a possible cause of the patient's post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia. Conclusion: When evaluating potential causes of dysgeusia after tonsillectomy, otolaryngologists must be mindful of zinc deficiency as a potential contributing factor.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number100382
JournalOtolaryngology Case Reports
Volume21
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2021

Keywords

  • Taste disturbance
  • Tonsillectomy
  • Zinc therapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

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