Parosmia: Pathophysiology and Management

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Xinni Xu - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, National University Health System Singapore (Author)
  • Jerry Hadi Juratli - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford Medicine (Author)
  • Basile Nicolas Landis - , University of Geneva (Author)
  • Thomas Hummel - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (Author)

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewParosmia is a qualitative olfactory disorder in which there is a mismatch between the memory of an odor and the actual experience triggered by an odor. There has been a surge in parosmia-related publications since the COVID-19 pandemic. This review summarizes the latest clinical findings, theories on pathophysiology and potential treatment options.Recent AdvancesPotential models of parosmia include peripheral or central hypotheses, which refer to aberrancies in olfactory neuron regeneration or information processing in central olfactory centers respectively. This leads to an incomplete or disorganized pattern of olfactory information relay. Studies using gas chromatography and functional magnetic resonance imaging have identified molecular triggers and intracranial functional connectivity patterns in parosmia respectively.SummaryParosmia tends to occur in a delayed fashion after virus-induced anosmia. It may run a protracted course, but typically improves over time. Currently there are no generally approved, objective ways to ascertain the presence and measure the extent of parosmia. Evidence-based treatment for parosmia remains elusive. In some people, this can lead to health and quality of life issues.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number10
Number of pages13
JournalCurrent allergy and asthma reports
Volume25
Publication statusPublished - 16 Jan 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 39821581
Scopus 85216042340
ORCID /0000-0001-9713-0183/work/177360788
Mendeley a0ea9055-4fc6-334c-a193-2caf511d0e39

Keywords

Keywords

  • Covid-19, Dysosmia, Olfactory loss, Olfactory training, Parosmia, Qualitative olfactory dysfunction