Olfactory Threshold Test of Normal Chinese Young People

Abstract

Background: The olfactory function of Chinese people has not been evaluated adequately. Additionally, many diseases may affect olfactory function. Therefore , it is necessary to develop a practicable olfactory test to study olfaction in our people. Methods: The phenyl ethyl alcohol (PEA) odor detection threshold test was used to evaluate the olfactory thresholds of normal non-smoking Chinese young people. 40 male and 40 female non-smoking young Chinese were included in this study. Their ages ranged from 18 to 25 years old. Results: The mean (±SD) PEA thresholds of Chinese young men were -6.894 ± 1.369 log for the right nasal cavity, -7.066 ± 1.193 log for the left nostril, and -7.369 ± 0.992 log when bilateral nostrils were tested together. On the other hand, the average (±SD) PEA thresholds of Chinese young women were -6.919 ± 1.357 log for the right nasal cavity, -6.975 ± 1.471 log for the left nostril, -7.253 ± 1.158 log for bilateral nostrils. Conclusions: In this study, the olfactory threshold of normal non-smoking Chinese young people was established by PEA odor detection threshold test and the results were shown above. (J Otolaryngol Soc ROC 1998; 33:615-624)