Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026
04:00
Author Spotlight: Assessing the Olfactory Effects of Airborne Pollutants — Buried Food and Social Odor Tests
Published on: September 13, 2024
1.4K
Smoking and olfactory dysfunction: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Gaurav S Ajmani1, Helen H Suh2, Kristen E Wroblewski3
1Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|June 1, 2017
Summary
Current smoking significantly increases the risk of olfactory dysfunction. However, quitting smoking may reverse these effects on smell, suggesting potential for recovery of olfactory function.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pulmonology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Tobacco smoking is a prevalent habit with known adverse health effects.
- Olfactory dysfunction, or impaired sense of smell, can significantly impact quality of life.
- The relationship between smoking and smell impairment requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between tobacco smoking and olfactory function in humans.
- To determine if current and former smoking status impacts olfactory dysfunction risk.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of studies published between 1970 and 2015.
- Inclusion of high-quality studies using validated olfactory tests in generally healthy populations.
- Utilized PubMed and Web of Science databases for study identification.
Main Results:
- Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.
- Current smokers exhibited significantly higher odds of olfactory dysfunction (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.37-1.85) compared to never smokers.
- Former smokers did not show a statistically significant difference in olfactory dysfunction risk compared to never smokers (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.91-1.21).
Conclusions:
- Current smoking is strongly associated with an increased risk of olfactory dysfunction.
- The findings suggest that the detrimental effects of smoking on olfaction may be reversible upon cessation.
- Further prospective research is recommended to confirm the reversibility of smoking-induced olfactory impairment.
Related Concept Videos
01:03Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure
12.4K
The process of olfaction, also known as the sense of smell, is a sophisticated chemical response system. The specialized sensory neurons that facilitate this process, known as olfactory receptor neurons, are situated in an upper segment of the nasal cavity, known as the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory sensory neurons are bipolar, with their dendrites extending from the epithelium's apex into the mucus that lines the nasal cavity. Airborne molecules, when inhaled, traverse the olfactory...
12.4K
01:25Olfaction
49.2K
The sense of smell is achieved through the activities of the olfactory system. It starts when an airborne odorant enters the nasal cavity and reaches olfactory epithelium (OE). The OE is protected by a thin layer of mucus, which also serves the purpose of dissolving more complex compounds into simpler chemical odorants. The size of the OE and the density of sensory neurons varies among species; in humans, the OE is only about 9-10 cm2.
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
49.2K
01:20Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway
13.4K
Humans detect odors with the help of specialized cells located in the upper part of the nasal cavity, called olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). ORNs possess hair-like structures called cilia, which are receptive to sensations from the inhaled air. When an odorant molecule binds to a specific receptor on the cell of the cilia, it leads to a series of events that ultimately cause the ORN to send electrical signals to the olfactory bulb in the brain through the olfactory nerves.
The olfactory...
The olfactory...
13.4K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
4.9K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
4.9K
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
3.2K
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
3.2K
01:23Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
2.2K
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating...
2.2K