Anormalidades sensoriais: olfato e paladar

Abstract

Introduction: Taste and smell abnormalities have proven to be an extremely more complex subject than previously regarded. Wide-ranging nosologic entities arise along with smell and taste alterations, and they can be congenital or acquired. Objective: Analyze the main features of smell and taste dysfunctions. Method: Automated databases were used to collect data, by searching keywords like 'alteration', 'smell', and 'taste'. A nonsystematic search was also made in scientific printings and medical books. Literature Review: Smell and taste dysfunctions have a vast etiology, the most significant of which are obstructive nasal and sinusal disease, infections of the upper respiratory tract, cranioencephalic trauma, aging, exposure to toxics and some drugs, nasal or intracranial neoplasias, psychiatric and neurological pathologies, iatrogenic disease, idiopathic and congenital causes. A detailed anamnesis, a careful physical examination and supplementary evaluations are important for the diagnosis of these alterations. Conclusion: As a rule, smell and taste dysfunctions occur in a combined way. The early discovery of such dysfunctions can lead to a more efficient treatment, making the progress of diseases causing them retard and the symptoms less severe. In many cases, treating these alterations is not easy and there needs to be a multidisciplinary cooperation among the otorhinolaryngologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, among others.

Autobiographical Memory and Episodic Specificity Across Different Affective States in Bipolar Disorder

“…The literature suggests that patients in depression may have hypoesthesia, with a global decrease in perceptual intensity (8). They would for example report a colorless world (34) or a decrease in the perception of food taste (35). It is also common for depressed patients in clinical settings to report time passing more slowly, with the time of their memories being fragmented and vague.…”

Olfactory alterations in patients with multiple sclerosis

“…All the assessed patients underwent a facial CT to exclude any other explanation for the olfactory alteration 13 . Before the olfactory function test, we conducted a test with the Glatzel mirror as an aid to the diagnosis of mechanical nasal obstruction 14 .…”

Interferência das variáveis sexo e idade no olfato e no paladar em crianças com e sem rinite alérgica

“…On the other hand, taste plays an important role in safety, since the loss or diminution of the gustatory function creates an environment conducive to domestic accidents, such as the risk of food poisoning when eating spoiled foods (8) . In addition, taste influences food choices, allowing the individual to select adequate foods based on sensorial characteristics provided by substances contained in foods (9) .…”