Olfactory exploration: State of the art

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Olfactory disorders are prevalent in the general population.
• Despite prevalence, olfactory exploration is infrequently performed by Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists.
• Reasons include underestimation of the sense's importance, underestimated treatment potential, and lack of insurance coverage for olfactory tests in France.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update on currently available techniques for olfactory exploration.
• To highlight the importance of objective olfactory assessment in diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases.
• To underscore the utility of olfactory testing in medico-legal contexts.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advances in understanding olfactory system functioning.
• Description of techniques for objective olfactory assessment.
• Discussion of the clinical and medico-legal applications of olfactory testing.

Main Results:

• Recent research has significantly advanced the understanding of olfactory system functioning.
• Several techniques have been developed for maximally objective olfactory assessment.
• Olfactory disorders can be an early indicator of neurodegenerative pathology.

Conclusions:

• Despite being common, olfactory disorders are under-explored.
• Objective olfactory assessment is crucial for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative conditions.
• Updated exploration techniques are vital for clinical and medico-legal practice.