Abstract
PurposeOlfactory training is recommended in olfactory dysfunction (OD) showing promising results. OD patients frequently ask for training modifications in the hope of a better outcome. Also, a lack of knowledge of the flavor system is evident. This investigation sought to implement flavor education (FE) and encourage patients to experience flavors in terms of a flavor training (FT).MethodsIn included patients (n = 30), OD was either of postinfectious (86.7%) or posttraumatic (13.3%) cause. Chemosensory abilities were tested orthonasally (using Sniffin Sticks = TDI) and retronasally (using the Candy Smell Test = CST). Key points of flavor perception were demonstrated in an educative session. Subjects were instructed to consciously experience flavors out of a list of 50. Effects of FT were explored in two groups (group A and B), with group B starting FT 17 weeks later.ResultsFE was appreciated and drop-out rate stayed very low (one participant). Compliance was high and 30.4 ± 12.9 flavors were tried. Overall TDI scores improved in 10 patients (6 group A, 4 group B) in a clinically significant way (> 5.5). For group A (starting FT earlier) rm-ANOVA showed a significant effect of session (timepoint) on CST (p < 0.01).ConclusionFlavor education is demonstrated as feasible and appreciated in a clinical setting. FT seems to be a welcomed second-line therapy in patients with olfactory dysfunction. This study shows beneficial trends of FT; however, further studies with larger sample sizes and standardized training protocols are needed.
Highlights
Decreased chemosensory abilities are still an underestimated burden
Food enjoyment strongly relies on olfactory sensations [1] and dietary changes have been reported in olfactory dysfunction (OD) using a questionnaire-based tool [2]
The degree of complaint can be more pronounced in postinfectious patients compared to OD patients of sinonasal cause [8]
Summary
Decreased chemosensory abilities (in particular olfactory abilities) are still an underestimated burden. OD patients are not aware of the important contribution of the sense of smell to flavor perception [3]. They report “taste dysfunction”, olfactory function (i.e., flavor perception) is Another challenge in smell and taste clinics and beyond: the degree of suffering in OD is variable and often unpredictable. Congenital anosmia patients frequently report few to no disease related complaints [6, 7]. OD patients with a postinfectious or posttraumatic cause (with a sudden onset), often are tremendously desperate about missing perceptive capacity. The degree of complaint can be more pronounced in postinfectious patients compared to OD patients of sinonasal cause [8]. Educative lessons on the flavor system and routine retronasal olfactory testing (as various tools have been published [10,11,12,13,14,15]) seem to be valuable and should be implemented whenever possible
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
