[Olfactory disorders – history, classification and implications]

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Gerontology

Context:

• Smell disorders affect 3-5% of those under 65, rising to over 50% in the elderly.
• Self-assessment of smell is unreliable, necessitating objective olfactory testing.
• Sinunasal conditions are the most frequent cause of smell dysfunction.

Purpose:

• To highlight the prevalence and diagnostic challenges of smell disorders.
• To emphasize the importance of psychophysical olfactory testing, like the Sniffin' Sticks Test.
• To outline classification methods including clinical examination, imaging, and neurological assessment.

Summary:

• Olfactory testing is mandatory for diagnosing smell disorders, differentiating between quantitative and qualitative types.
• The Sniffin' Sticks Test battery provides detailed psychophysical assessment, classifying function as normosmia, hyposmia, or anosmia.
• Further investigations like MRI, CT scans, and neurological exams aid in identifying underlying causes, including neurodegenerative diseases.

Impact:

• Accurate diagnosis of smell disorders improves patient management and quality of life.
• Identifying olfactory dysfunction in the elderly may indicate reduced regeneration capacity and increased mortality risk.
• This research underscores the need for systematic olfactory evaluation in clinical practice.