An updated review of clinical olfaction.
OBJECTIVE
Disorders of the sense of smell can result through hundreds of different processes, but most commonly occur from upper-respiratory-tract infections, trauma, and chronic rhinosinusitis.


BACKGROUND
Research in the basic science of olfaction has progressed rapidly with powerful new molecular discoveries; however, our ability to treat these disorders remains limited. In clinical olfaction we are just realizing the broader existence of the sensory dysfunction in our population. We are discovering associations between neurodegenerative disorders and smell function that may allow us to identify these disorders earlier in the disease process. We are also challenging our previous categorization schemes and realizing that many etiologies cross the traditional conductive and neuro-sensory divisions.


CONCLUSIONS
Currently, aside from the possible therapeutic potential of systemic steroids, we have no effective treatment for the most common causes of olfactory loss. Recent advances in the basic science of olfaction provides us with an opportunity to develop new and novel clinical studies in an attempt at improving the quality of life for many of these patients.
Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. eric_holbrook@meei.harvard.edu
Eric H
EH
Holbrook
Donald A
DA
Leopold
D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D000857:Olfaction Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009831:Olfactory Mucosa / Q000503:physiopathology; D009832:Olfactory Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D061219:Olfactory Nerve Injuries; D011379:Prognosis; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed