Olfactory and Gustatory Functions after Anterior Palatoplasty in Patients with Primary Snoring

ObjectiveIn this study, we investigated the chemical senses (namely, olfaction), the 4 basic tastes, and umami taste in patients who underwent anterior palatoplasty (AP) for primary snoring.Study DesignProspective clinical study.SettingMulticenter, tertiary care hospitals.Subjects and MethodsThe age range of the 28 participants was 22 to 47 years, and all had been diagnosed with primary snoring by polysomnography. Orthonasal and retronasal olfactory testing was performed using the respective “Sniffin’ Sticks.” Tests for the 4 basic tastes (sweet, sour, salty, and bitter) and umami were performed before and 6 months after AP.ResultsThe changes between the preoperative and postoperative results for the 4 basic tastes, which were applied to the anterior tongue region, were not significant. Retronasal olfactory function improved significantly 6 months after AP (P = .007). After AP, umami scores for the soft palate but not those of the anterior and posterior tongue decreased significantly (P = .001).Conclusion...