Taste disturbance post-tonsillectomy improved with zinc supplementation

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.