Can laryngectomees smell? Considerations regarding olfactory rehabilitation following total laryngectomy

2010 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
J W Moor ◽  
A Rafferty ◽  
S Sood
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Total Laryngectomy ◽  
Lower Respiratory Tract ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Advanced Malignancy ◽  
Olfactory Loss ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
Rehabilitation Assessment

AbstractTotal laryngectomy is performed for patients with advanced malignancy of the larynx and pharynx, and disconnects the nose and mouth from the lower respiratory tract. Rehabilitation of olfactory function in these patients is often neglected, despite recognition that anosmia and hyposmia are common and can readily be addressed. This paper reviews the literature concerning olfactory loss post-laryngectomy, methods of olfactory rehabilitation, assessment of olfactory function and quality of life issues.

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.

Comparison of quality of life outcomes in laryngeal cancer patients following chemoradiation vs. total laryngectomy

2005 ◽  
Vol 132 (6) ◽  
pp. 948-953 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria M. Lotempio ◽  
Kevin H. Wang ◽  
Ahmed Sadeghi ◽  
Mark D. Delacure ◽  
Guy F. Juillard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Laryngeal Cancer ◽  
Total Laryngectomy ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
History Of

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate quality of life issues in patients with laryngeal cancer after treatment with either chemoradiation or total laryngectomy and radiation therapy. METHODS: Forty-nine patients with a history of stage II-IV laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated primarily with either chemoradiation or by total laryngectomy with postoperative radiation completed the University of Washington Quality of Life instrument, version 4. Patients were identified on a volunteer basis in an academic university head and neck clinic setting. Each patient completed the above instrument, and statistical analysis was performed by Wilcoxon and X 2 , tests. RESULTS: Instruments were completed by all 49 patients: 15 patients who underwent primary chemoradiation and 34 patients who underwent a total laryngectomy followed by radiation. Domains reported in both treatment groups without significant differences were appearance, activity, recreation, moods, taste, saliva, anxiety, and general questions. However, there were significant differences between the 2 groups in the domains of pain, swallowing, chewing, speech, and shoulder function. The laryngectomy patients reported greater impairment of speech ( P = 0.001), and shoulder function ( P = 0.018), whereas the chemoradiation patients suffered from greater pain, difficulty swallowing ( P = 0.061), and problems chewing ( P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with laryngeal cancer, whether treated primarily with chemoradiation or total laryngectomy, reported excellent functional outcomes and health-related quality of life. Pain, swallowing, chewing, saliva, and shoulder function were recorded as significant factors affecting their daily quality of life.

scholarly journals Olfaction and gustation abilities after a total laryngectomy

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordana Mumovic ◽  
Irena Hocevar-Boltezar
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Total Laryngectomy ◽  
Nasal Discharge ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Nasal Symptoms ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background. A laryngectomy affects many of a patient’s functions. Besides speech and respiratory-tract problems, olfaction and gustation problems can also have an influence on the quality of life. The aim of this study was to find out how often various nasal problems and decreased gustation appear after a laryngectomy. Patients and methods. One hundred and five laryngectomized patients (9 women, 96 men, aged 45-88 years), treated in two tertiary centers, were included in the study. They completed a questionnaire about various nasal problems, olfactory and gustatory capabilities, possible allergies and irritants in their environment, and the impact of the nasal and gustation problems on their quality of life. Results. Olfaction was impaired in 51.4%, and was even not possible in 30.5%, of patients. Decreased gustation abilities were reported in 26.7%, and dysgeusia in 11.4%, of patients. Almost 21% of patients were bothered by an impaired gustatory ability and 50.5% of patients were affected by their loss of olfaction. Frequent nasal discharge was reported in 20%, frequent sneezing in 58.1%, and nasal itching in 33.3% of the laryngectomized patients. There were no correlations between the age and the olfaction and gustation abilities and between the allergy and the nasal symptoms, whereas the correlation between olfaction and gustation appeared significant (p=0.025). Conclusions. Various nasal and gustatory problems were reported in more than 80% of laryngectomized patients. The olfaction and gustation abilities are connected and have a substantial impact on the quality of life. Like in the case of speech, the rehabilitation of olfaction is also necessary in all laryngectomized patients and must take place soon after the completion of the treatment.

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 INFLAMMATION AS A CAUSE OF COUGH AND COMPLICATIONS: ROLE OF MODERN MUCOLYTICS

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
M. M. Ostovskiy
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Lower Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Observation Study ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

A literature review regarding pharmacodynamics of mucolytic compound erdosteine (Ermucin by Edmond Pharma) has been presented in current publication. Mucolytic effect of this compound is based on the braking of disulfuric bonds, tiding the glycoproteine fibers, resulting in encreased elasticity and decreased viscosity of sputum. Erdosteine metabolites improve the effectiveness of muco-ciliary clearance of purulent and mucopurulent low respiratory tract secretions. Anti-inflammatory effect of erdosteine is mediated through the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines synthesis, such as IL-6 and IL-8, directly involved in neutrophilic immune response in bronchial tree and lung parenchyma. Additionally, erdostein acts as reactive oxygen species scavenger, preventing its local formation, decreasing 8-isoprostane level as a marker of lipid peroxidation. Erdostein, being used in 8-months courses, allows not only to manage COPD exacerbation, but also prevents it, improving the quality of life of the patients and modifying diseases outcomes. The impact of erdostein on the rate and duration of COPD exacerbations has been proved in randomized placebo-controlled trial RESTORE. The evidence from this study was used as a rationale for inclusion of erdosteine in 2019 GOLD Guidelines and national COPD guidelines. The results of the own limited open-label observation study of erdosteine efficacy in COVID-19 associated pneumonia, performed following the discharge of patients from Ivano-Frankivsk regional phthisiopulmonology center from 1 Jul 2020 till 25 Oct 2020 are presented in this article. The efficacy or erdosteine after one month therapy has been proved in study patients. On Day 30 of erdosteine therapy mMRC dyspnea score significantly decreased in 30.7 % of patients on the background of improved quality of life assessed by SGRQ questionnaire. The dosage and administration of erdosteine for management of cough in acute lower respiratory tract infections, COPD/chronic bronchitis exacerbations, exacerbation prevention and cough modification, recovery of physical activity in COVID-19 convalescents with secondary bacterial pneumonia, have been presented. Key words: lower respiratory tract infections, mucolytic therapy, erdosteine.

Comprehensive Handbook of Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease

2006 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
Art Research

Over recent decades, tremendous advances in the prevention, medical treatment, and quality of life issues in children and adolescents surviving cancer have spawned a host of research on pediatric psychosocial oncology. This important volume fulfills the clear need for an up-to-date, comprehensive handbook for practitioners that delineates the most recent research in the field--the first of its kind in over a decade. Over 60 renowned authors have been assembled to provide a thorough presentation of the state-of-the art research and literature, with topics including: -Neuropsychological effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy -Bone marrow transplantation -Important issues about quality of life during and following treatment -Collaborative research among child-focused psychologists -Standards of psychological care for children and adolescents -Stress and coping in the pediatric cancer experience -The role of family and peer relationships The Comprehensive Handbook of Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease represents both multidisciplinary and international efforts, an alliance between physicians and parents, and a combination of research and service. With a wealth of information of great interest to patients and their families, this volume will also be a welcome resource to the psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, oncologists, nurses, and social workers who confront these issues as they help children and their families through the treatment, recovery, and grieving processes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document