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Olfactory function in healthy children: normative data for odor identification

Erik van Spronsen1, Fenna A Ebbens, Wytske J Fokkens

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. e.vanspronsen@amc.uva.nl

American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy
|May 29, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This study provides normative data for the Sniffin' Sticks olfactory test in children. Age, gender, and prior ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery significantly impact odor identification test results.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Olfaction Research

Background:

  • Olfactory disorders are common in pediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) practice.
  • Objective olfactory assessment in children requires robust normative data.
  • Current olfactory tests often lack sufficient normative data for young populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish normative data for the Sniffin' Sticks screening test in a pediatric population.
  • To identify factors influencing olfactory test outcomes in children.

Main Methods:

  • The Sniffin' Sticks screening test was administered to 201 healthy Dutch children.
  • Data collected included age, height, gender, weight, peak nasal inspiratory flow, history of ENT surgery, and parental smoking habits.

Main Results:

  • Age, gender, and previous ENT surgery were found to significantly influence olfactory test results.
  • Normative data for the Sniffin' Sticks test in children were established.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides essential normative data for the Sniffin' Sticks test in a general pediatric population.
  • Key determinants influencing olfactory test outcomes in children have been identified, aiding clinical diagnosis.
Abstract

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