Retronasal olfactory function in patients with smell loss but subjectively normal flavor perception

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

Abstract

Objectives: The human sense of smell constitutes the main part of flavor perception. Typically, patients with loss of olfactory function complain of diminished perception during eating and drinking. However, some patients with smell loss still report normal enjoyment of foods. The aim of the present study was to compare orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function in patients with non-sinonasal smell loss and subjectively normal flavor perception. Methods: Nineteen patients (mean age [range] 52.0 [8–83 years]) with self-reported olfactory impairment but subjective normal flavor perception were included. Olfactory performance was assessed using the Sniffin’ Sticks (TDI) for orthonasal and the Candy Smell Test (CST) for retronasal function. Visual analogue scales were used for self-assessment of odor (SOP), taste (STP), and flavor perception (SFP), ranging from 0 (no perception) to 10 (excellent perception). Results: Mean (SD) SFP was 8.0 (1.8). Mean (SD) orthonasal TDI-score of all patients was 14.4 (5.3, range 6–25.3) with 11 patients classified as anosmic and eight as hyposmic. Mean/SD retronasal CST-score was 8.8 (2.7, range 3–13) within the range of anosmia/hyposmia. No correlation was found between SFP and the CST (P =.62). Conclusion: The present results showed that despite claiming normal flavor perception, our patients were ortho- and retronasally dysosmic using standard tests for olfactory function. Although other explanations could be possible, we suggest that this subjective flavor perception might be due to unconscious memory recall from previously experienced cross-modal sensory interactions. Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1629–1633, 2020.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Seiten (von - bis)1629-1633
Seitenumfang5
FachzeitschriftLaryngoscope
Jahrgang130
Ausgabenummer7
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 1 Juli 2020
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

PubMed 31471971
ORCID /0000-0003-0845-6793/work/139025201
ORCID /0000-0001-9713-0183/work/146645724

Schlagworte

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Schlagwörter

  • anosmia, flavor perception, flavor templates, Olfactory dysfunction, retronasal olfactory function