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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice

Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice

Published on: June 15, 2015

Chapter 13: Olfactory disorders.

¹Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. againes@oceansidepubl.com

American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy

|May 29, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A reduced sense of smell significantly impacts quality of life and poses health risks. Objective tests reveal a high prevalence of smell dysfunction, particularly in the elderly, often linked to chronic rhinosinusitis.

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Area of Science:

Otolaryngology
Neuroscience
Public Health

Background:

Decreased sense of smell (hyposmia/anosmia) severely impacts quality of life, affecting taste, nutrition, and safety.
Self-reported prevalence is low, but objective testing shows high rates, especially in the elderly.
Causes include head trauma, aging, autoimmunity, toxic exposure, and chronic rhinosinusitis.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize the impact and prevalence of smell dysfunction.
To discuss the underlying pathophysiological processes and their implications.
To highlight the role of chronic rhinosinusitis in smell impairment.

Main Methods:

Review of epidemiological reports and clinical observations.
Analysis of data from validated smell identification and threshold tests.
Examination of pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to smell loss.

Main Results:

Objective smell tests reveal high prevalence of hyposmia and anosmia, contrary to self-reports.
The elderly population shows a particularly high prevalence of smell dysfunction.
Mucosal inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis is a key cause of smell impairment in otolaryngology patients.

Conclusions:

Smell dysfunction is more prevalent than commonly believed and significantly affects well-being and safety.
Understanding diverse causes is crucial for prognosis and treatment strategies.
Chronic rhinosinusitis, driven by inflammation, is a major contributor to smell loss in clinical settings.