title: Olfactory disorders and quality of life--an updated review.
abstract: Olfactory disorders are common and affect about one-fifth of the general population. The main causes of olfactory loss are post viral upper respiratory infection, nasal/sinus disease, and head trauma and are therefore very frequent among patients in ear, nose, and throat clinics. We have systematically reviewed the impact of quantitative, qualitative, and congenital olfactory disorders on daily life domains as well as on general quality of life and depression. From the extensive body of literature, it can be concluded that loss of the sense of smell leads to disturbances in important areas, mainly in food enjoyment, detecting harmful food and smoke, and to some extent in social situations and working life. Most patients seem to deal well and manage those restrictions. However, a smaller proportion has considerable problems and expresses a noticeable reduction in general quality of life and enhanced depression. The impact of coping strategies is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Medicinaregatan 16, University of Gothenburg, Box 414, 40530 Göteborg, Sweden. ilona.croy@tu-dresden.de.
authors.forename: Ilona
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Croy
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nordin
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hummel
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000367:Age Factors; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D000857:Olfaction Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Depression; olfaction; prevalence; quality of life; smell