Treatment Strategies for Smell Loss

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Smell loss is a widespread problem with approximated levels of about 5 % of the population exhibiting functional anosmia. Olfactory problems lead to a loss of quality of life. The objectives of this manuscript were to identify recent findings concerning the treatment of smell loss. We focused on the treatment of causes of smell loss, generally excluding sinonasal disease, as treatment of this form of smell loss has previously been frequently analysed. Treatment suggestions ranged from olfactory training to the administration of various drugs and different forms of surgery. Further unusual methods were also included such as transcranial magnetic stimulation or the ablation of the olfactory epithelium. Overall, there are many studies indicating an improvement of olfaction, although the vast majority of these studies lacked proper controls.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)122-129
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent Otorhinolaryngology Reports
Volume4
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2016
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • Functional anosmia, Olfaction, Olfactory training, sinonasal disease, Smell loss