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Published on: May 8, 2017
Smell in cystic fibrosis
J Lindig1, C Steger, N Beiersdorf
1Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Pneumology, Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Jena University Hospital, Kochstrasse 2, 07740, Jena, Germany. Juliane.Lindig@med.uni-jena.de
Summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients frequently experience smell loss due to olfactory dysfunction, impacting nutrition and overall health. Early assessment of olfactory and gustatory function in CF care is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Pulmonology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) commonly affects sinonasal mucosa, leading to impaired mucociliary clearance and rhinosinusitis symptoms, including smell impairment.
- Olfactory dysfunction in CF patients is poorly understood, with reported smell deficiencies varying widely (12-71%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate olfactory and gustatory function in cystic fibrosis patients.
- To correlate these functions with sinonasal symptoms, colonization, lung function, and nutritional status.
Main Methods:
- Olfactory function assessed using 'Sniffin'Sticks'.
- Gustatory function evaluated with 'Taste-strips'.
- Sinonasal symptoms measured by Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT-20).
- Comparison between 35 CF patients and 35 age-matched healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Normosmia observed in 62.8% of controls vs. 28.6% of CF patients.
- Significant smell loss in CF patients: 62.9% hyposmic, 8.6% anosmic.
- Olfactory dysfunction primarily affected odor thresholds, not identification, suggesting peripheral origin.
- SNOT-20 scores increased with severity of smell loss (normosmia, hyposmia, anosmia).
- No significant impact of sinonasal colonization, gender, lung function, allergy, or surgery on olfactory/gustatory function.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory disorders are significantly more prevalent in cystic fibrosis patients.
- Smell and taste assessment should be integrated into routine CF care due to their importance for nutrition and treatment outcomes.
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