Smell and taste disorders: a primary care approach

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Smell and taste disorders are prevalent, affecting quality of life and potentially indicating serious conditions.
• Patients often confuse flavor and taste, complicating self-diagnosis.
• Common causes include sinonasal disease, infections, trauma, medications, and aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the common causes, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies for smell and taste dysfunction.
• To highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing these often-neglected sensory impairments.

Main Methods:

• Review of common etiologies for olfactory and gustatory dysfunction.
• Discussion of diagnostic tools including history, physical examination, imaging (CT/MRI), and standardized testing.
• Overview of treatment options for various causes.

Main Results:

• Nasal/sinus disease, URIs, and head trauma are primary smell disorder causes.
• Oral infections, dentures, dental procedures, and Bell's palsy are key taste disorder causes.
• Medication review and age are important factors in sensory dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Focused history and physical exam are key screening tools.
• Treatable causes include polyps (excision) and inflammation (steroids).
• Improving food flavor can enhance life quality for irreversible cases.