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Olfaction

Olfaction

The sense of smell is achieved through the activities of the olfactory system. It starts when an airborne odorant enters the nasal cavity and reaches olfactory epithelium (OE). The OE is protected by a thin layer of mucus, which also serves the purpose of dissolving more complex compounds into simpler chemical odorants. The size of the OE and the density of sensory neurons varies among species; in humans, the OE is only about 9-10 cm2.
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...

Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

The process of olfaction, also known as the sense of smell, is a sophisticated chemical response system. The specialized sensory neurons that facilitate this process, known as olfactory receptor neurons, are situated in an upper segment of the nasal cavity, known as the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory sensory neurons are bipolar, with their dendrites extending from the epithelium's apex into the mucus that lines the nasal cavity. Airborne molecules, when inhaled, traverse the olfactory...

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway

Humans detect odors with the help of specialized cells located in the upper part of the nasal cavity, called olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). ORNs possess hair-like structures called cilia, which are receptive to sensations from the inhaled air. When an odorant molecule binds to a specific receptor on the cell of the cilia, it leads to a series of events that ultimately cause the ORN to send electrical signals to the olfactory bulb in the brain through the olfactory nerves.
The olfactory...

Common Respiratory Disorders

Common Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...

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Author Spotlight: Advancing Allergic Rhinitis Research with Multicolor Immunofluorescence

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Published on: September 22, 2023

Olfactory loss and allergic rhinitis.

A J Apter¹, A E Mott, W S Cain

¹Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

|October 1, 1992

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Investigating olfactory loss is crucial for allergists, as rhinitis-related smell loss is often reversible. Further evaluation is needed for persistent cases or those with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyposis.

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Area of Science:

Allergy and immunology
Otolaryngology
Olfactory dysfunction research

Background:

Olfactory loss (smell impairment) is a significant symptom for patients with allergic and nonallergic rhinitis.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential as rhinitis-induced olfactory loss is potentially reversible.

Observation:

Nasal polyposis and chronic sinusitis, particularly involving ethmoidal sinuses, are key considerations in patients with olfactory loss.
Simple odor identification tests can be used for initial screening in clinical settings.

Findings:

Lack of response to treatment, history of chronic sinusitis, nasal polyposis, or prior otolaryngologic surgery may necessitate further evaluation, including rhinoscopy.
Recent olfactory loss without nasal symptoms or abnormalities warrants investigation for central nervous system causes.

Implications:

Morphological studies using electron microscopy of the olfactory epithelium are emerging.
The role of inflammation in the olfactory system requires further investigation to understand its impact on smell.