scholarly journals Testing olfactory dysfunction in acute and recovered COVID-19 patients: a single center study in Italy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacopo Pasquini ◽  
Carlo Maremmani ◽  
Stefano Salvadori ◽  
Vincenzo Silani ◽  
Nicola Ticozzi
Keyword(s):  
Acute Illness ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Olfactory Loss ◽  
Olfactory Test ◽  
Psychophysical Testing ◽  
Positive Antibody ◽  
Olfactory Testing ◽  
High Level ◽  
Acute Patients

Abstract Background Olfactory dysfunction in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is common during acute illness and appears to last longer than other symptoms. The aim of this study was to objectively investigate olfactory dysfunction in two cohorts of patients at two different stages: during acute illness and after a median recovery of 4 months. Methods Twenty-five acutely ill patients and 26 recovered subjects were investigated. Acute patients had a molecular diagnosis of COVID-19; recovered subjects had a positive antibody assay and a negative molecular test. A 33-item psychophysical olfactory identification test tailored for the Italian population was performed. Results Median time from symptoms onset to olfactory test was 33 days in acute patients and 122 days in recovered subjects. The former scored a significantly higher number of errors at psychophysical testing (median [IQR]: 8 [13] vs 3 [2], p < 0.001) and were more frequently hyposmic (64% vs 19%, p = 0.002). Recovered subjects reported a variable time to subjective olfactory recovery, from days up to 4 months. Participants included in the study reported no significant nasal symptoms at olfactory testing. Among recovered subject who reported olfactory loss during acute COVID-19, four (27%) were still hyposmic. Demographic and clinical characteristics did not show significant associations with olfactory dysfunction. Conclusion Moderate-to-severe hospitalized patients showed a high level and frequency of olfactory dysfunction compared to recovered subjects. In the latter group, subjects who reported persisting olfactory dysfunction showed abnormal scores on psychophysical testing, indicating that, at least in some subjects, persistent hyposmia may represent a long-term sequela of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Olfactory Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
María V. Sánchez-Vallecillo ◽  
María E. Fraire ◽  
Carlos Baena-Cagnani ◽  
Mario E. Zernotti
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Rhinosinusitis ◽  
Nasal Polyposis ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Predicting Factors ◽  
Olfactory Loss ◽  
Olfactory Test ◽  
Turbinate Hypertrophy ◽  
Clinical Research Center ◽  
And Gender

Objectives. To measure the prevalence of and identify the clinical characteristics associated with olfactory decline in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.Methods and Materials. There is analytical, prospective, and observational study in adult patients with a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis. The olfactory test used was the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC).Results. They are 33 patients total. Within the group of patients aged 18 to 39, 9% had normosmia, 73% hyposmia, and 18% anosmia (P<0.001). Between 40 and 64 years old, there was no patient with normosmia, 63% hyposmia, and 37% anosmia (P<0.001). Of patients older than 65 years old, 33% showed mild hyposmia, 34% severe hyposmia, and 33% anosmia (P<0.001). 52% were females, and 48% were males.Conclusion. Nasal polyposis, asthma, septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, tobacco, and allergic rhinitis are predicting factors of olfactory dysfunction. Antecedents of previous endoscopic surgeries, age, and gender would not be associated with olfactory loss.

scholarly journals High prevalence of long-term olfactory dysfunction confirmed by olfactory testing after a community COVID-19 outbreak

HNO ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilmar Gudziol ◽  
Timo Kirschstein ◽  
Mathias W. Pletz ◽  
Sebastian Weis ◽  
Orlando Guntinas-Lichius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Based ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Taste Disturbance ◽  
Gustatory Function ◽  
Psychophysical Testing ◽  
Olfactory Testing ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Normal Taste

Abstract Purpose The prevalence of long-term olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in participants suffering from sudden chemosensory loss due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unknown. Furthermore, evaluations of the reliability of participants’ self-reporting of olfactory function (SOF) and gustatory function (SGF) using extended objective psychophysical testing are missing. Methods In this population-based cohort study in a PCR-tested community in Thuringia, Germany, olfactory function was extensively examined 4 months after a COVID-19 outbreak using the “Sniffin Sticks” test battery to determine the TDIa score, i.e., the sum of results obtained for threshold, discrimination, and identification scores averaged for both nasal sides. Gustatory function was assessed using the three-drop test resulting in the gustatory composite score (CSg). The data were compared with SOF and SGF. Results Of 43 adult convalescents (median age: 68 years; 58% female) after SARS-CoV‑2 infection, 18 participants (42%) had olfactory complaints due to SOF, one participant (2%) complained of taste disturbance due to SGF. The TDIa was 22.0 ± 5.9. Normosmia, hyposmia, and anosmia were seen in 17, 18, and eight participants, respectively. TDIa correlated with SOF (rs = −0.434, p = 0.004); CSg was 23.5 ± 2.7. Normogeusia and hypogeusia were objectified in 39 and four participants, respectively. The prevalence of long-term olfactory dysfunction and gustatory dysfunction in the study group was 60.5 and 9.3%, respectively. Conclusion The SOF was reliable, especially for participants who felt a sudden chemosensory dysfunction during the outbreak. At 4 months after SARS-CoV‑2 infection, a high proportion of participants were dysosmic, whereas nearly all of them had normal taste function.

scholarly journals Olfactory Training for Postviral Olfactory Dysfunction: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 019459982094355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nrusheel Kattar ◽  
Triet M. Do ◽  
Graham D. Unis ◽  
Matthew R. Migneron ◽  
Andrew J. Thomas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Web Of Science ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Pooled Analysis ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Upper Respiratory Infection ◽  
Olfactory Loss ◽  
Olfactory Testing ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Olfactory Training ◽  
Existing Data

Objective Olfactory dysfunction is a common problem that is most frequently attributed to upper respiratory infection. Postviral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD) can be prolonged and clinically challenging to treat. Olfactory training (OT) has demonstrated potential benefit for patients with nonspecific olfactory dysfunction. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of OT specifically for PVOD by pooled analysis of the existing evidence. Data Sources PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Review Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were queried and abstracts screened independently by 2 investigators. We included studies evaluating the efficacy of OT for PVOD and excluded studies evaluating pharmacologic interventions or olfactory loss from other causes. Results Of the initial 1981 abstracts reviewed, 16 full-text articles were included. Sniffin’ Sticks olfactory testing results were reported in 15 (93%) studies as threshold (T), discrimination (D), and identification (I) subscores and TDI total scores. All studies reported clinically significant results after OT, defined as a score improvement of TDI >5.5. Four studies were included in the meta-analysis, in which pooled estimates revealed that patients with PVOD who received OT had a 2.77 (95% confidence interval, 1.67-4.58) higher odds of achieving a clinically important difference in TDI scores compared to controls. Conclusion Meta-analysis of existing data demonstrates clinically significant improvements in PVOD associated with OT. Variability exists among OT protocols and may benefit from further optimization. Existing data supports the use of OT for the treatment of existing and newly emerging cases of PVOD.

What is the Correlation between Ratings and Measures of Olfactory Function in Patients with Olfactory Loss?

2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 567-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antje Welge-Luessen ◽  
Thomas Hummel ◽  
Tomislav Stojan ◽  
Markus Wolfensberger
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Moderate Correlation ◽  
Individual Basis ◽  
Olfactory Loss ◽  
Visual Analog Scales ◽  
Olfactory Testing ◽  
Olfactory Abilities

Background Major complaints of many patients with olfactory dysfunction relate to the impairment of quality of life. Nevertheless, it is unclear to what extent there is a correlation between ratings of olfactory abilities/impairment and olfactory function. Methods Patients with olfactory dysfunction (n = 152) were examined psychometrically using the “Sniffin’ Sticks” test battery. Ratings of olfactory function and ratings of impairment were recorded using visual analog scales. Results Following standardized olfactory testing, 78 of the 152 patients were categorized as functionally anosmic, 64 as hyposmic, and 10 as normosmic. Groups differed significantly with regard to ratings of olfactory function. Functionally anosmic patients rated impairment to be significantly higher compared with hyposmic and normosmic patients. Ratings of olfactory function correlated significantly with measured olfactory function (r = +0.57) and ratings of impairment (r = —0.30). Conclusion There was a moderate correlation between ratings and measures of olfactory function. On average, functionally anosmic patients recognized their olfactory loss, although, on an individual basis, there were striking differences between measures and ratings of olfactory function.

scholarly journals Postinfectious Olfactory Dysfunction: Oral Steroids and Olfactory Training versus Olfactory Training Alone: Is There any Benefit from Steroids?

ORL ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sotiria Genetzaki ◽  
Evangelia Tsakiropoulou ◽  
Vasilios Nikolaidis ◽  
Konstantinos Markou ◽  
Iordanis Konstantinidis
Keyword(s):  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Line Treatment ◽  
First Line ◽  
Olfactory Testing ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Oral Steroids ◽  
Group A ◽  
Olfactory Training ◽  
First Line Treatment

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> There are limited treatment options for postinfectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD). Olfactory training has recently been used in clinical practice, but no medical treatment is widely accepted. Although there is weak evidence for their value, some physicians use oral corticosteroids as first-line treatment. The aim of this study was to compare combined oral methylprednisolone and olfactory training with olfactory training alone in the management of PIOD. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This prospective cohort study included 131 patients with PIOD over a 2-year period before the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-eight patients who were treated with oral methylprednisolone and olfactory training (group A) were compared with 53 patients who were treated with olfactory training only (group B). Olfactory function was evaluated with “Sniffin’ Sticks” at baseline and 2, 8, and 16 weeks after initial assessment. Patients who improved after steroid treatment underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the paranasal sinuses, skin prick tests, lung spirometry, and sputum eosinophil assessment. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Oral steroids improved 19.23% of patients (<i>n</i> = 15) of group A. History, clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests identified an inflammatory background in half of them (<i>n</i> = 8). The remaining 7 had no findings of nasal inflammation, and all had a short history of olfactory dysfunction. Both groups significantly improved in olfactory testing results at the end of the olfactory training scheme without significant difference between them. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The percentage of improved patients after oral methylprednisolone was relatively low to suggest it as first-line treatment. Half of the improved patients had an underlying upper airway inflammatory condition not related to the infection that caused the acute loss of olfactory function.

scholarly journals Association of Olfactory and Pulmonary Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1535
Author(s):  
Ji-Sun Kim ◽  
Jun-Ook Park ◽  
Dong-Hyun Lee ◽  
Ki-Hong Chang ◽  
Byung Guk Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
National Health ◽  
Pulmonary Function Tests ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Nutrition Examination Survey ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Olfactory Testing

Objectives: To identify the relationship between pulmonary function and subjective olfactory dysfunction in middle-aged and older adults. Materials and Methods: We used Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2010 to 2012 to analyze 6191 participants in their 50s or older. Results: The frequency of olfactory dysfunction was 6.8% among the subjects with normal pulmonary function tests, but was significantly more frequent in those diagnosed with restrictive (9.6%) or obstructive (10.1%) pulmonary function. Forced volume vital capacity, forced expiratory volume (FEV)1, FEV6, and peak expiratory flow were significantly lower in the olfactory dysfunction group. The risk of olfactory dysfunction was significantly associated with obstructive pulmonary function (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.449 [1.010–2.081]) after adjusting for confounders (sex, rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, hypertension, dyslipidemia, education level, stress, depressed mood, and suicidal ideation). Conclusion: Middle-aged and older adults with obstructive pulmonary function had a higher incidence of subjective olfactory dysfunction than the normal pulmonary function group. Early olfactory testing may improve the quality of life of patients with obstructive pulmonary function.

Olfactory Training Using Heavy and Light Weight Molecule Odors

Perception ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 343-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia C. Poletti ◽  
Elisabeth Michel ◽  
Thomas Hummel
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Light Weight ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Olfactory Loss ◽  
Short Term Exposure ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Olfactory Training

Background Repeated short-term exposure to odors is known to improve olfaction in patients with acquired olfactory dysfunction. The aim was to find out whether differences in molecular weight of odors used for olfactory training influences olfaction. We hypothesized a greater improvement following training with light weight molecule (LWM) odors. Methods A prospective study was performed in patients with posttraumatic (PTOL) and postviral olfactory loss (PVOL). Olfactory training was performed over a period of 5 months. One group ( n = 48) used four odors containing heavy weight molecules (HWM; >150 g/mol) and another ( n = 48) containing LWM (<150 g/mol). Olfaction was tested before and after the training using the Sniffin’ Sticks test. Results Olfactory training was associated with olfactory improvement, with the improvement in PVOL patients being three times greater than that seen in the PTOL group. Compared with LWM training, HWM training was associated with a significantly greater improvement in Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol (PEA) threshold scores in PVOL patients; however, no such improvement could be shown for other subtests or in PTOL patients. Conclusion Overall, training was associated with olfactory improvement. With the exception of threshold scores in PVOL, there were no significant differences between LWM and HWM groups.

scholarly journals Smell and taste disorders in the UK: first experiences with a specialised smell and taste outpatient clinic

2014 ◽  
Vol 96 (5) ◽  
pp. 156-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Philpott
Keyword(s):  
Outpatient Clinic ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Recent Survey ◽  
Olfactory Testing ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Taste Disorders ◽  
The Uk

Olfactory dysfunction is common, affecting 1–5% of those under the age of 60 1 and at least 20% of those aged more than 60 years. 2 In many UK centres, the approach to it is variable and routine olfactory testing is not performed, as noted by a recent survey of British ENT surgeons. 3 This is in contrast to Europe and the USA, where many specialist smell and taste centres already exist.

scholarly journals Temporal Profile of Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19

OTO Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473974X2097813
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Loftus ◽  
Lauren T. Roland ◽  
Jose G. Gurrola ◽  
Steven W. Cheung ◽  
Jolie L. Chang
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Dynamic Change ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
General Health Status ◽  
Dynamic Changes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Olfactory Loss ◽  
Viral Illness ◽  
Time Of Infection

Objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with olfactory dysfunction, but the evolution of the olfactory loss and timeline to recovery are largely unknown. This study examines changes in smell sensitivity in COVID-19–positive (COVID+) and COVID-19–negative (COVID–) viral illness during the initial weeks after infection. Study Design Cross-sectional cohort comparison. Setting National anonymous surveys. Methods Survey participants were queried about smell sensitivity and general health status at the time of COVID-19 testing and in the weeks that followed. Results In total, 375 (174 COVID+, 201 COVID–) participants completed the survey and 132 (62 COVID+, 70 COVID–) participants completed the 2-week follow-up survey. Normal smell in the COVID+ cohort was less frequent at the time of testing and at follow up ( P < .05). Dynamic changes in smell sensitivity in the COVID+ cohort were more frequent in the initial weeks ( P < .001). In those with normosmia at the start of infection, 38% of the COVID+ cohort reported worsening smell compared to only 8% in the COVID– cohort ( P < .05). Recovery of overall health was associated with normosmia at the time of infection and improvement of smell sensitivity within weeks of infection. Conclusion The COVID+ cohort showed greater dynamic change in smell sensitivity and a higher rate of persistent olfactory dysfunction in the weeks after infection. Normal smell at the time of COVID-19 infection may still worsen before recovery. Overall health recovery after viral illness is associated with improvement in smell sensitivity and the absence of initial anosmia or hyposmia.

Quality of Life in Patients With Olfactory Loss Is Better Predicted by Flavor Identification Than by Orthonasal Olfactory Function

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 371-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Oleszkiewicz ◽  
Dahae Park ◽  
Katarzyna Resler ◽  
Julia Draf ◽  
Anja Schulze ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Olfactory Loss ◽  
Olfactory Testing

Abstract To date, most studies on the relationship between chemosensory performance and quality of life have focused on orthonasal measures of olfactory function. In the current investigation, we examined the predictive value of orthonasal and flavor identification indices of olfactory function on a wide spectrum of health and sociopsychological factors, including quality of life, life satisfaction, overall health, and depressive symptoms. Participants were 178 ENT patients (Mage = 58 ± 1), representing various causes of olfactory loss: idiopathic smell loss (n = 51; Mage = 63 ± 2), sinunasal disease (n = 27; Mage = 56 ± 3), head trauma (n = 33; Mage = 51 ± 2), and infections of the upper respiratory tract (n = 67; Mage = 59 ± 2). They completed self-report questionnaires and underwent olfactory testing using Sniffin’ Sticks (orthonasal olfactory testing) and “Taste Powder” (intraorally applied flavors for retronasal olfactory testing, additionally inducing taste sensation). Data were analyzed with hierarchical regression models wherein the first step included subjects’ sex, age, and orthonasal olfaction score. In the second step, we included the “Taste Powder” score. Tested models revealed that the first step was not significantly predicting variables of interest; however, there was an improvement of the model’s predictive value when the “Taste Powder” score was added. Results of this study suggest that flavor identification significantly improves predictions of health and sociopsychological functioning of ENT patients with various etiologies.

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