title: [Olfactory disorders – history, classification and implications].
abstract: Smell disorders are common and can be found in 3 – 5 % of the population under 65 years. With growing age these numbers increase up to 50 % and more. Qualitative disorders which cannot be measured are differentiated from quantitative disorders. Self-assessment of olfactory function is rather poor therefore olfactory testing is mandatory in cases of patients complaining about an olfactory disorder. Olfactory screening smell tests are available for orientation, however, for detailed testing or in cases of a pathological screening test an extensive psychophysical olfactory test battery such as the Sniffin' Sticks Test battery should be used. According to the result of the test battery olfactory function can be qualified as norm, hyp- or anosmic. Additionally, in cases of medicolegal questions, olfactory evoked potentials can be recorded. Smell disorders are classified according to the history, clinical and endoscopic examination of the nose. Imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computertomography may contribute to classify the disorder. Sinunasal olfactory disorders are considered to be the most common ones. If the etiology remains unclear a neurological examination has to be performed in order to rule out a concomitant neurodegenerative disease. Olfactory disorders in the elderly might have to be considered as a sign of a reduced regeneration capacity in general being depicted in an increase in overall mortality in affected subjects.
authors.affiliation: 1 Hals-Nasen-Ohrenklinik, Universitätsspital Basel.
authors.forename: Antje
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Welge-Lüssen
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D000857:Olfaction Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods