Long-term impact of olfactory dysfunction on daily life

Abstract

Summary Background Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is common in the general population, affects the quality of life (QoL), and is suspected to cause depression. Long-term outcome data are lacking and there is a need to improve patient counselling regarding prognosis. We aimed to assess subjective long-term recovery rates, the QoL, and mood disturbance in a group of 65 patients, who were affected with OD. Methods Out of 325 patients treated for OD between 2003 and 2009 at a smell and taste clinic, 65 patients were included for a follow-up after an average of 8.6 years. A total of 28 patients answered questionnaires only and 37 patients were provided with an additional smell identification test. Among others, questionnaires included a short form of the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Beck’s depression inventory. Results In the long run, subjective improvement was stated in 33.8% of all patients, with the highest rate of 42.3% in patients with postinfectious OD. The subjective rating of olfactory function on a visual analogue scale was significantly higher at study follow-up compared to first clinical contact (median 1.25 vs. 4.5; U = 469.5, p = 0.001), as were mean identification scores (6.0 ± 3.0 vs. 8.0 ± 4.0, t(18) = 2.51, p = 0.021). The QoL in general was considered reduced in 40% of all patients at follow-up. Furthermore, participants exhibited only minor, if any, depressive symptoms. Conclusion Despite negative effects of OD on certain activities in daily life, such as cooking, detecting spoiled food, or personal hygiene, it seems that the patients included in this study adapted to the OD in the long-term. The current findings should aid clinicians in patient counselling.

Long-term follow-up of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19: 6 months case–control study of health workers

“…The upper respiratory tract plays a key role in the physiopathology of viral infections since it is the most common route of entrance and the area where the initial viral replication and colonization takes place [2]. Along with sinonasal pathology, trauma, or neurodegenerative diseases, viral infections are one of the most frequent causes of hyposmia in patients requiring ENT consultation [3,4].…”

“…Studies related to OD and GD in COVID patients describe high recovery rates within the first weeks, therefore no specific treatment or complementary test is recommended [16]. However, there are few studies of the long-term evolution regarding OD and GD in COVID patients beyond the first weeks [4,17]. Likewise, no clear data is available on the association between OD and GD [11].…”

International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: Olfaction

“…Patients with smell loss should be advised to control salt intake, and monitoring through general practitioners (eg, blood pressure and renal function) should be recommended. Although it has been shown that many patients will learn to adjust and cope with OD in the long run, 1933 intermittent nutritive counseling by experts should be considered. Beyond monitoring, flavor enhancement of food may play a role in the future to improve palatability and/or intake of dishes in patients with chemosensory complaints 1934 .…”

Food Intake Changes and Their Impact on Quality of Life in Spanish Citizens with and without COVID-19 during Lockdown

“…As a result of the disease, patients may have difficulties in the perception of tastes or odors [ 23 ], leading to detrimental behaviors such as insufficient or unbalanced food intake [ 21 , 22 ]. Previous studies have shown how these disturbances can trigger a reduction in appetite in up to 56% of patients [ 24 ]. It follows that the absence of olfactory and/or gustatory senses can reduce the quality of life (QoL) of those affected.…”