Olfactory Disorders Research Articles

Childhood trauma impacts internalizing problems in early adulthood: the affective implications of olfactory dysfunctions

Early detection and prevention of internalizing problems demand a thorough exploration of latent vulnerabilities before clinical symptoms emerge. Limited research attention has been paid to the influence of olfactory perception, a flexible factor intricately linked to emotional processing and external environmental factors. This study sought to examine the mediating role of olfactory function in the relationship between childhood trauma, encompassing both dimensions of child abuse and neglect, and internalizing problems. A total of 1661 individuals (801 males, Meanage = 21.67 years) participated in wave 1, with 327 participants (152 males, Meanage = 21.8 1 years) included in the follow-up wave 2 three months later. Online questionnaires, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Self-reported Olfactory Disorder Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and General Anxiety Disorder-7, were administered. Mediation tests were conducted using Mplus 8. Our findings revealed a significant mediating effect of olfactory dysfunction between childhood trauma and adult internalizing problems in wave 1 (B = 0.224, 95% CI [0.167, 0.294]). Childhood trauma heightened vulnerability to olfactory dysfunction (B = 0.721, 95% CI [0.671, 0.724]), subsequently exacerbating internalizing problems (B = 0.311, 95% CI [0.226, 0.408]). This effect persisted in longitudinal data (abuse: B = 0.686, p < 0.001; neglect: B = 0.200, p < 0.001). Regarding internalizing problems influenced by olfactory function, childhood abuse had a greater impact compared to childhood neglect (wave 1: χ2 = 56.012, p < 0.001; wave 2: χ2 = 5.156, p = 0.023). This study found that olfactory dysfunction mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and internalizing problems, contributing valuable insights into psychopathology and the early identification of symptoms related to internalizing problems.

Effect of septoplasty on physical performance

The nasal septum is a key component of the nasal structure, affecting proper airflow and providing support for the nasal structures. A deviated septum (DSN) can lead to breathing disorders, impaired nasal patency, recurrent nosebleeds, olfactory disorders and frequent upper respiratory tract infections. In competitive sports, where ventilation performance is critical, septal deviation can adversely affect athletic performance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of septoplasty on patients' physical performance. Methodes This article is based on the available literature found in the Google Scholar, PubMed database with the use of key words such as ,,septoplasty'', ,,nasal septal deviation'', ,,septoplasty quality of life'', ,,nasal septal deviation athletes'', ,,septoplasty sport'', ,,nasal obstruction sport''. Results Conducted studies show that surgical correction of a deviated nasal septum improves physical performance as well as respiratory and cardiovascular functions. Restoring proper airflow through the nose after surgery leads to a noticeable improvement in physical performance, highlighting the significance of septoplasty in enhancing patient comfort and improving athletic outcomes.

Determination of objective taste perception among Iranian medical sciences students during COVID‑19 pandemic in Yazd, Eastern Iran: a case-control pilot study

BackgroundTaste disorders in patients suffering from COVID-19 were popular. Some people even after recovery report residual effects of loss of smell and taste. This study aimed to investigate the taste Perception of Iranian Medical Sciences students during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe case-control study evaluated 50 Medical Sciences students with a history of COVID-19 infection, as confirmed by the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCOV) CFX96™ Real-Time PCR Detection System. The other participants consisted of 50 volunteer students with COVID-19 negative. The taste perception was measured with 4 different concentrations of the basic tastes. The stimuli were applied to the protruded tongue. Subjects were asked to identify the researcher when they felt the taste. Data are expressed as frequency distribution and analyzed with the Chi-Square test (P < 0.05).ResultsIn this survey, 54% of participants were male and 46% were female, the mean age of participants was 22.96 ± 5 years. The results showed a significant difference in the sweet and bitter taste perception score according to the history of dietary supplement use. The bitter taste perception score declared a considerable difference since COVID-19 infection. There was no significant difference between the taste perception in the two studied groups for all 4 basic tastes according to gender, COVID-19 infection status, history of taste and smell disorders, and the elapsed time since COVID-19 infection.ConclusionOur findings could provide important insights into taste perception. The history of dietary supplementation may influence how sweetness and saltiness are perceived. There was a noticeable difference in bitter taste perception depending on the time that had elapsed since the most recent COVID-19 infection.

Age-related differences in olfactory training outcomes: A prospective cohort study.

While olfactory function decreases with age, it is unknown how age affects olfactory training (OT) efficacy. This study compared OT in two cohorts of subjects: aged ≤50 (younger cohort) and aged 51+ (older cohort) with olfactory dysfunction (OD) primarily from COVID-19 infection. Subjects with OD primarily secondary to COVID-19 infection were prospectively recruited and enrolled into an OT registry. Baseline data were collected and they were provided with a training kit and asked to complete OT at home twice daily for 6 months. Participants were asked to follow-up at 3 and 6 months during training for olfactory testing and quality-of-life surveys (Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test-22 [SNOT-22] and Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders Negative Statements [QoD-NS]). Fifty-six participants completed OT (younger cohort: n=26, older cohort: n=30). There were no significant differences between cohorts' Affordable Rapid Olfactory Measurement Array (AROMA), QoD-NS, or SNOT-22 scores at any time point. Both cohorts showed significant AROMA score improvement of more than 16 points from baseline to 3 months (younger cohort: p=0.001; older cohort: p=0.008). The younger cohort had significant improvements in QoD-NS (p=0.008) and SNOT-22 (p=0.042) between baseline and 3 months while the older cohort improved from 3 to 6 months (QoD-NS: p=0.027, SNOT-22: p=0.049). Both cohorts demonstrated similar significant improvement in olfactory function after 3 months of OT. The timeline of subjective improvement was different between cohorts, with younger patients experiencing earlier improvement.

Predictive model for postoperative unrecovered olfactory function in CRSwNP patients with olfactory disorder.

Olfactory disorder (OD) is a prevalent and challenging symptom in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This study aims to investigate the risk factors and develop a predictive model for poor olfactory prognosis in CRSwNP patients with OD after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Seventy-eight CRSwNP patients with OD who underwent ESS were enrolled. Preoperative and 6-month-postoperative olfactory function were assessed using Sniffin' Sticks. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed to set the cutoff points. Risk factors were determined by logistic models. A power analysis was conducted to evaluate the sample size. Overall, 66.7% of CRSwNP patients had unrecovered olfaction after surgery. Patients with unrecovered olfaction displayed higher preoperative threshold-discrimination-identification (TDI) score, lower Questionnaire for Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (QOD-NS) score, lower total olfactory cleft score (TOCS), and fewer tissue eosinophils than those of the improved/recovered group. QOD-NS≤5.0, preoperative TOCS≤4.5 and tissue eosinophil count≤8.3 were independent risk factors for unrecovered olfaction. Based on these variables, a predictive model was developed. The area under the ROC curve for the model was 0.845, and the optimal cutoff value was 2.0 points, with a sensitivity of 82.7% and specificity of 80.8%. Low levels of QOD-NS score (preoperative), TOCS (preoperative) and tissue eosinophil count are independent risk factors for short-term unrecovered olfaction in CRS patients with OD postoperatively. The predictive model developed here is practical and convenient for the early identification of poor prognosis of OD, enabling early additional intervention.

Diaphragm Muscle Atrophy Contributes to Low Physical Capacity in COVID-19 Survivors.

Fatigue and dyspnea are the most commonly reported long-term complaints in individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate diaphragm muscle function in post-COVID-19 patients and investigate whether potential diaphragm dysfunction contributes to physical functioning impairment. A total of 46 patients who qualified for pulmonary rehabilitation were examined. Diaphragm muscle function parameters were evaluated using ultrasonography, while the severity of dyspnea, aerobic capacity, and the amount of energy used by the body during physical activity were assessed using the six-minute walk test, mMRC scale, and Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET), respectively. We identified that 69.5% of patients had diaphragm atrophy and 6.5% had diaphragm paralysis. The percentage of atrophy was not related to age, gender, BMI, oxygen therapy usage during the COVID-19 infection course, and disease severity. Patients who experienced cough, fever, and no loss of smell during the COVID-19 course had significantly greater diaphragm inspiratory thickness values, while patients with cough and no smell disorders had a significantly lower percentage of diaphragm atrophy. Diaphragm functional parameters were strongly associated with selected variables of exercise tolerance, such as distance in the six-minute walk test, oxygen saturation levels, fatigue, and exertion on the Borg scale. In conclusion, diaphragm muscle dysfunction is a serious long-term post-COVID-19 consequence and can be viewed as a major contributing factor to prolonged functional impairments.

Improvement of olfactory function in AD mice mediated by immune responses under 40 Hz light flickering

Background40 Hz light flickering has shown promise as a non-invasive therapeutic approach for alleviating both pathological features and cognitive impairments in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model mice and AD patients. Additionally, vision may influence olfactory function through cross-modal sensory interactions. ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of 40 Hz light flickering on olfactory behavior in AD model mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms of this intervention. MethodsWe used immunofluorescence techniques to observe the activation of the olfactory bulb (OB) in C57BL/6J mice under 40 Hz light flickering. A buried food test was conducted to evaluate olfactory behavior in AD mice. Additionally, RNA sequencing technology was employed to detect transcriptional alterations in the OBs of AD mice following light stimulation. Results40 Hz light flickering was found to effectively activate the OB. This stimulation led to enhanced olfactory behavior and did not alter P-tau protein mRNA levels within the OBs of AD mice. RNA sequencing revealed significant transcriptional changes in the OBs under flickering, particularly related to immune responses. ConclusionVision can influence olfactory function through cross-modal sensory interactions in rodent models. 40 Hz light stimulation improved olfactory performance in AD mice. However, the improvement in olfaction in AD mice is not related to changes in P-tau mRNA levels. Instead, it may be associated with an altered immune response, providing a scientific basis for the clinical treatment of olfactory disorders in Alzheimer’s disease.

Characterization of Antineoplastic Agents Inducing Taste and Smell Disorders Using the FAERS Database.

Taste and smell disorders can worsen the nutritional status of patients receiving chemotherapy and potentially affect drug treatment. However, there is limited knowledge on antineoplastic agents that induce taste and smell disorders. Therefore, we used the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database to analyze the characteristics of patients and antineoplastic agents in relation to taste and smell disorders. No gender differences related to the onset of taste and smell disorders were found, whereas older age was identified as a possible risk factor. Among the antineoplastic agent classes, protein kinase inhibitors appeared to be particularly likely to induce taste and smell disorders. According to the cluster and principal component analyses, antineoplastic agents were deemed to induce taste or smell disorders. In addition, antineoplastic agents that decreased or changed these sensations could be classified. These findings might be useful in selecting drugs for patients experiencing similar side effects.

Smell and taste disorders in childhood: Diagnostic challenges and significant impacts on a child's well-being

AimSmell and taste are senses that contribute to a child's overall well-being. Disorders affecting these senses can impact a child's daily life from enjoying meals to detecting potential dangers through scent.The aim of this study is to describe patient characteristics and etiological causes of olfactory (OD) and/or gustatory disorders (GD) in children referred to a smell and taste clinic. Secondly, we aim to suggest a clinical work up. MethodsRetrospective study where data were collected from 57 children who were referred consecutively to the University Clinic for Flavour, Balance, and Sleep; Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL), Head and Neck Surgery; Goedstrup Hospital, Denmark, for assessment due to OD/GD from January 2017 to May 2023. ResultsMost of the children had anosmia (60 %), whereas sensation of the basic tastes was intact in all but eight children (16 %). The lowest TDI scores were in children with congenital OD. The underlying etiology was congenital followed by postinfectious mostly related to Covid-19. Picky eating including anorectic traits were seen in 16 % of patients. ConclusionThe focus on smell loss in pediatric population is low, and probably does not adequately reflect either underlying prevalence in this group or the possible consequences on a child's well-being. Moreover, increased awareness of children's smell and taste loss is needed, as it may be associated with eating disturbances.

Sufferers from olfactory reference disorder: lonely, depressed and socially pained?

Although the few studies available on Olfactory Reference Disorder (ORD) indicate that the disorder is associated with fear of rejection, avoidance and impairment of social relationships, there are no investigations that have examined loneliness and social pain in individuals with ORD. Additionally, despite studies showing elevated comorbidity of ORD and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), the relationship between ORD according to the ICD-11 and depressiveness has not been investigated. This exploratory pilot study examined the association of symptoms of ORD according to the ICD-11 with emotional/social loneliness, social pain and depressiveness. A total of 225 German university/college students participated in an anonymous internet-based survey. Severity of ORD symptoms were significantly associated with more severe depressiveness, greater emotional and social loneliness as well as greater social pain. In our sample, participants with self-reported ORD reported on average elevated levels of social pain and loneliness. A total of 93.3% of the participants with self-reported ORD had elevated scores of depressiveness. Emotional and social loneliness remained significantly correlated with ORD symptoms in partial correlations that adjusted for depressive symptoms. In a multiple regression analysis, olfactory concerns were associated with the total loneliness score independent of the effects of depressiveness and social pain. These preliminary results highlight the importance of considering depressive symptoms and social pain in the assessment and treatment of ORD. In addition, results suggest that individuals suffering from ORD might be at increased risk for loneliness.

Social impact of brain fog and analysis of risk factors: Long COVID in Japanese population.

To reveal the clinical features and assess risk factors linked to brain fog and its societal implications, including labor productivity, providing valuable insights for the future care of individuals who have experienced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We analyzed a comprehensive cohort dataset comprising 1,009 patients with COVID-19 admitted to Japanese hospitals. To assess brain fog, we analyzed patients who responded to a questionnaire indicating symptoms such as memory impairment and poor concentration. The prevalence of brain fog symptoms decreased 3 months posthospitalization but remained stable up to 12 months. Neurological symptoms such as taste and smell disorders and numbness at hospitalization correlated with a higher frequency of identifying brain fog as a long COVID manifestation. Our findings indicated that advanced age, female sex, a high body mass index, oxygen required during hospitalization, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and elevated C-reactive protein and elevated D-dimer levels were risk factors in patients exhibiting brain fog. Additionally, we demonstrated the negative impact of brain fog on labor productivity by presenteeism scores. This study clarified the clinical characteristics of patients experiencing brain fog as a long COVID manifestation, specifically emphasizing neurological symptoms during hospitalization and their correlation with brain fog. Additionally, the study identified associated risk factors for its onset and revealed that the emergence of brain fog was linked to a decline in labor productivity.

The effect of smell training on COVID-19 induced smell loss.

while smell training appears to be effective for post viral smell loss, its effectiveness in COVID-19 induced smell loss is currently not well known. Therefore, we aim to investigate the potential effect of smell training on patients with COVID-19 induced smell loss. we conducted a case-control study with two comparable cohorts. One of which (n=111) was instructed to perform smell training twice daily for 12 weeks, therapeutical adherence was monitored on a daily schedule, while the other cohort (n=50) did not perform smell training. The Sniffin' Sticks Test (SST) was used to objectify participants' sense of smell at baseline and after 12 weeks, reported as a Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification (TDI) score. We also determined the association between therapeutical adherence and the TDI scores. we found a significant difference in psychophysical smell function between patients with COVID-19 induced smell disorders who performed 12 weeks of smell training and those who did not. Median TDI difference between groups was 2.00 However, there was no association between the therapeutical adherence and olfactory function. we discovered a significant moderate difference in psychophysical smell function between patients with COVID-19-induced smell disorders who performed smell training and those who did not, implying a possible advantage of training. However, no relationship was found between therapeutical adherence of smell training and olfactory function.

MRI evidence of gray matter loss in COVID-19 patients with cognitive and olfactory disorders.

The aim of this study was to assess COVID-19-related gray matter (GM) structural alterations in two distinct groups of patients presenting with the prevailing and distinctive COVID-19-related neurological symptoms - isolated olfactory disorders as sole neurological manifestation (COVID-OD) and cognitive disorders (COVID-CD) - as compared to a control group of unaffected individuals. The study included 61 COVID-CD patients (57 [60-63] years, 62% females), 84 COVID-OD patients (49 [35-57] years, 60% females), and 17 controls (51 [41-52] years, 41% females). Region-based morphometry (RBM) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) were performed on T1-weighted MRI scans to assess GM regional volume and voxel-wise density differences between COVID-19 patients and controls. Surface-based morphometry (SBM) was applied to investigate cortical thickness alterations. The statistical models built to assess GM structural differences among groups included total intracranial volume and age as nuisance variables. The multi-morphometric analysis revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05 corrected for multiple comparisons) reduction in GM regional volumes, in voxel-wise GM density and in cortical thickness in both COVID-CD and COVID-OD patient groups as compared to controls. Across all three analyses, COVID-CD patients showed more distributed and severe GM loss than COVID-OD patients. The most prominently affected GM regions in the COVID-CD group included the hippocampus, putamen, cingulate gyrus, precuneus, precentral and postcentral gyri, amygdala, lingual gyrus, and caudate nucleus. Our MRI findings show that COVID-19-related olfactory and cognitive disorders both induce GM atrophy, although at different degrees of severity, likely indicative of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.

Incidence and influencing factors of olfactory dysfunction in patients 1 week after endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumor: a cross-sectional study of 158 patients.

To investigate the current situation of olfactory dysfunction in patients after endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors, and analyze its influencing factors, to provide references for clinical nursing and rehabilitation. A cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling method were used to investigate 158 patients with pituitary tumors treated by endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection in the Department of Neurosurgery of three Grade-A general hospitals in Sichuan Province from January 2022 and June 2023. The olfactory function of patients was evaluated 1 week after surgery, and the general clinical data and olfactory related data of patients were collected, and the influencing factors of olfactory disorder were analyzed by logistic regression. The incidence of olfactory dysfunction was 73.42%. analysis revealed that the formation of blood scabs, nasal cavity adhesion, cerebrospinal fluid leakage and operation time were independent risk factors for olfactory dysfunction in patients after transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection (p < 0.05). The incidence of olfactory dysfunction is high in patients after endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors, suggesting that medical staff should pay close attention to and identify patients with olfactory dysfunction based on the guidance of disease knowledge and skills, develop targeted nursing interventions, and promote the improvement of patients' olfactory function and quality of life.

Impact of sociodemographic status and sex on chronic rhinosinusitis and olfaction in people with cystic fibrosis.

Sociodemographic status (SDS) including race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status as approximated by education, income, and insurance status impact pulmonary disease in people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF). The relationship between SDS and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains understudied. In a prospective, multi-institutional study, adult PwCF completed the 22-Question SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), Smell Identification Test (SIT), Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorder Negative Statements (QOD-NS), and Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R). Lund-Kennedy scores, sinus computed tomography, and clinical data were collected. Data were analyzed across race/ethnicity, sex, and socioeconomic factors using multivariate regression. Seventy-three PwCF participated with a mean age of 34.7±10.9 years and 49 (67.1%) were female. Linear regression identified that elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) use (β=‒4.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] [‒6.08, ‒2.11], p<0.001), female sex (β=‒2.14, 95% CI [‒4.11, ‒0.17], p=0.034), and increasing age (β=‒0.14, 95% CI [‒0.22, ‒0.05], p=0.003) were associated with lower/better endoscopy scores. Private health insurance (β=17.76, 95% CI [5.20, 30.32],p=0.006) and >16 educational years (β=13.50, 95% CI [2.21, 24.80], p=0.020) were associated with higher baseline percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (ppFEV1). Medicaid/Medicare insurance was associated with worse endoscopy scores, CFQ-R respiratory scores, and ppFEV1 (all p<0.017), and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was associated with worse SNOT-22 scores (p=0.047), prior to adjustment for other cofactors. No other SDS factors were associated with SNOT-22, QOD-NS, or SIT scores. Differences in objective measures of CRS severity exist among PwCF related to sex, age, and ETI use. Variant status and race did not influence patient-reported CRS severity measures or olfaction in this study. Understanding how these factors impact response to treatment may improve care disparities among PwCF. NCT04469439.

Noninvasive Diagnostic Method to Objectively Measure Olfaction and Diagnose Smell Disorders by a Molecularly Targeted Fluorescence Imaging Agent.

Despite the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of olfaction, no tools are currently available to noninvasively identify loss of smell. Because of the substantial increase in patients presenting with coronavirus disease 2019-related loss of smell, the pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to develop quantitative methods. Methods: Our group investigated the use of a novel fluorescent probe named Tsp1a-IR800P as a tool to diagnose loss of smell. Tsp1a-IR800P targets sodium channel 1.7, which plays a critical role in olfaction by aiding the signal propagation to the olfactory bulb. Results: Intuitively, we have identified that conditions leading to loss of smell, including chronic inflammation and coronavirus disease 2019, correlate with the downregulation of sodium channel 1.7 expression in the olfactory epithelium, both at the transcript and at the protein levels. We demonstrated that lower Tsp1a-IR800P fluorescence emissions significantly correlate with loss of smell in live animals-thus representing a potential tool for its semiquantitative assessment. Currently available methods rely on delayed subjective behavioral studies. Conclusion: This method could aid in significantly improving preclinical and clinical studies by providing a way to objectively diagnose loss of smell and therefore aid the development of therapeutic interventions.

Olfactory dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

diabetic complications and olfactory dysfunction (OD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) seem related. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of OD in T2DM patients and to analyze its relationship with diabetic complications. 130 T2DM patients and 100 comparable controls were enrolled. Olfaction was evaluated using the Extended Smell Test (TDI) and the Italian brief Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders â€" Brief-IT-QOD. T2DM patients were divided into: "Group 1" patients with no complications, and "Group 2" patients with at least one diabetic complication. Non-parametric tests were used. Machine learning algorithms were applied to explore which variables were most important in predicting the presence of OD in T2DM. The prevalence of OD was significantly higher in Group 2 than in controls (71.4% vs 30%) and in Group 1 (71.4% vs 43.3%). However, when comparing the TDI scores between Group 1 and 2 the only significant difference was found for the discrimination scale and not for the identification and threshold scales. Brief-IT-QOD scores were significantly higher in Group 2 than in controls. The Random Forest and variable importance algorithms highlighted the relevance of LDL, glycated hemoglobin, type of complication (macrovascular) and age in determining OD in T2DM. The last three variables were included in a nomogram for the prediction of OD risk in T2DM. T2DM patients with diabetic complications are more frequently affected by OD. Poor glycemic control, LDL values, age and presence of macrovascular complications are the more important factors in determining OD in T2DM patients.

High prevalence of long-term olfactory disorders in healthcare workers after COVID-19: A case-control study.

More than a year after recovering from COVID-19, a large proportion of individuals, many of whom work in the healthcare sector, still report olfactory dysfunctions. However, olfactory dysfunction was common already before the COVID-19 pandemic, making it necessary to also consider the existing baseline prevalence of olfactory dysfunction. To establish the adjusted prevalence of COVID-19 related olfactory dysfunction, we assessed smell function in healthcare workers who had contracted COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic using psychophysical testing. Participants were continuously tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies since the beginning of the pandemic. To assess the baseline rate of olfactory dysfunction in the population and to control for the possibility of skewed recruitment of individuals with prior olfactory dysfunction, consistent SARS-CoV-2 IgG naïve individuals were tested as a control group. Fifteen months after contracting COVID-19, 37% of healthcare workers demonstrated a quantitative reduction in their sense of smell, compared to only 20% of the individuals in the control group. Fifty-one percent of COVID-19-recovered individuals reported qualitative symptoms, compared to only 5% in the control group. In a follow-up study 2.6 years after COVID-19 diagnosis, 24% of all tested recovered individuals still experienced parosmia. In summary, 65% of healthcare workers experienced parosmia/hyposmia 15 months after contracting COVID-19. When compared to a control group, the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in the population increased by 41 percentage points. Parosmia symptoms were still lingering two-and-a half years later in 24% of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. Given the amount of time between infection and testing, it is possible that the olfactory problems may not be fully reversible in a plurality of individuals.

Propriety of various examinations for subjective symptoms of olfactory disorders

PurposeIn Japan, two types of tests for diagnosing olfactory disorders, T and T (T&T) olfactometry and intravenous olfactory tests, are covered by insurance and performed on patients with olfactory disorders. This study examined the validity of these olfactory tests and whether psychophysical or morphological tests are more helpful in evaluating olfactory disorders.MethodsWe evaluated patients who visited our department and underwent two types of olfaction tests and sinus computed tomography (CT). Data regarding the age, sex, peripheral blood eosinophil percentage, presence of bronchial asthma, diagnoses, olfactory symptom score, results of the two olfactory tests, and CT findings in eligible patients were extracted from medical records and retrospectively reviewed.ResultsOne hundred and sixty-three patients underwent all tests during the study period. The results of the T&T olfactometry and intravenous olfactory tests were significantly correlated. However, only the results of T&T olfactometry and olfactory cleft opacification on CT were statistically significant predictors of the olfactory symptom scores.ConclusionT&T olfactometry and CT evaluations of olfactory cleft opacification helped evaluate olfactory dysfunction. It is important to note that intravenous olfactory tests are best performed with careful control and not blindly to assess olfactory disorders.

Taste and Smell Alterations (TSAs) in Cancer Patients.

Recently, smell and taste disorders have seen renewed interest, as these symptoms are frequent complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, since approximately 60% of patients affected by COVID-19 have shown olfactory and gustatory alterations. Otolaryngology pays attention to taste and smell abnormalities (TSAs), especially when associated with oncology. TSAs are common symptoms in people affected by cancer, yet they are ignored and underestimated. The clinical outcome of TSAs in cancer evidences the importance of identifying them with chemotherapy or radiotherapy in general, and they are associated with many types of cancer. We recognize the findings of the literature on TSAs in cancer, evaluating how it is important to consider and identify these disorders concerning reduced food enjoyment or inappropriate nutrient intake, and modulating the nutritional status, quality of life, and impact of therapy. This review aims to critically evaluate and recognize the assessment and clinical perspectives of taste and smell disorders in a cancer population.