The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in chronic rhinosinusitis

Abstract

Objective Many studies have reported that olfactory dysfunction frequently occurs in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) populations; however, the prevalence and degree of olfactory loss has not been systematically studied. The aims of this study are to use combined data to report the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction and to calculate weighted averages of olfactory test scores in CRS patients. Data Sources A search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus, following the methods of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Review Methods Studies reporting the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction using objective measures or olfactory test scores using validated scales were included. Results A total of 47 articles were included in systematic review and 35 in the pooled data analysis. The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in chronic rhinosinusitis was found to be 30.0% using the Brief Smell Identification Test, 67.0% using the 40-item Smell Identification Test, and 78.2% using the total Sniffin’ Sticks score. Weighted averages ± standard deviation of olfactory test scores were 25.96±7.11 using the 40-item Smell Identification Test, 8.60±2.81 using the Brief Smell Identification Test, 21.96±8.88 using total Sniffin’ sticks score, 5.65±1.51 using Sniffin’ Sticks threshold, 9.21±4.63 using Sniffin’ Sticks discrimination, 9.47±3.92 using Sniffin’ Sticks Identification, and 8.90±5.14 using the questionnaire for olfactory disorders-negative statements. Conclusion In chronic rhinosinusitis populations, a significant percentage of patients experience olfactory dysfunction and mean olfactory scores are within the dysosmic range.

Olfactory and middle meatal cytokine levels correlate with olfactory function in chronic rhinosinusitis

“…Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is among the most common chronic inflammatory diseases, with a prevalence of up to 12% of the US population, at an estimated annual direct cost of more than $11 billion . Olfactory dysfunction is a frequent complaint of CRS patients, particularly those with nasal polyposis, with an estimated prevalence of between 30% and 80% . It is also a major contributor to poor quality of life and reduced productivity in this patient population .…”

“…[1][2][3] Olfactory dysfunction is a frequent complaint of CRS patients, particularly those with nasal polyposis, with an estimated prevalence of between 30% and 80%. [4][5][6] It is also a major contributor to poor quality of life and reduced productivity in this patient population. [7][8][9] Despite the common association between CRS and loss of smell, very little is known about the mechanisms that mediate CRS-specific olfactory dysfunction.…”

Correlation of mucus inflammatory proteins and olfaction in chronic rhinosinusitis

“…Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common causes of olfactory dysfunction in the general population, impacting 5% to 15% of adults worldwide . Impaired olfaction is one of the cardinal symptoms of CRS and can be found in 30% to 78.2% of patients, varying somewhat by age, gender, and presence of polyps . Medications, primarily in the form of oral or topical corticosteroids, have been shown to provide demonstrable improvement in olfaction .…”

Multiple polycomb epigenetic regulatory proteins are active in normal and regenerating adult olfactory epithelium

“…Anosmia remains a frustrating problem for clinicians and patients, because there are currently limited effective treatment options. A loss of the sense of olfaction may occur due to active rhinosinusitis, prior head trauma, post–viral olfactory disorder, aging related degenerative changes (presbyosmia), or rare genetic disorders such as ciliopathies . Olfactory loss related to rhinosinusitis is one situation that may be responsive to medical or surgical treatments .…”