Hi. I recently had a tonsillectomy, about 2/3 weeks ago and have had a hard time of recovering, with allergies to antibiotics and painkillers, also a couple of infections. Feeling better, I went to the cinema with my friends last night and had a handful of chips (crisps), and had a small bleed and a lot of pain afterwards, then as I was brushing my teeth later that night I noticed my tongue was splotchy, like my taste buds are gone. Does this mean anything? Should I see the ENT about this? Cheers, Jo.

Hello JoC

Eating crisps so soon after a surgery in the mouth is a good idea NOT. The bleeding was probably triggered off by the hardness/sharpness of a crisp rubbing the still-healing throat tissue. Avoid hard foods for a few more weeks.

Your blotchy tongue is probably related to not being able to brush well in the area and softer foods or blood clot/stain. Once it feels more comfortable, brush your tongue too. Your taste should return but illness and a dry mouth can affect taste. So give it another week and if no better see your ENT doc.

Best wishes
Vinod