Variables associated with olfactory disorders in adults: A U.S. population-based analysis.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology
• Sensory Science

Background:

• Olfactory dysfunction significantly impacts social, psychological, and safety aspects of life.
• Prevalence of olfactory loss is increasing, yet risk factors remain poorly understood.
• Limited data exists on demographic and environmental correlates of smell impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic variables associated with olfactory dysfunction.
• To investigate potential exposure-related risk factors for smell loss.
• To analyze population-based data on olfactory impairment in U.S. adults.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) data (2011-2014).
• Inclusion of approximately 7000 adult respondents per survey year.
• Assessment of self-reported olfactory disorders and objective odor identification tests, correlated with demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental exposure data.

Main Results:

• Olfactory dysfunction prevalence increases with age.
• Racial and ethnic disparities observed in subjective and objective olfactory measures.
• Lower education levels correlated with reduced hyposmia prevalence; women outperformed men.
• Exposure to vapors and elevated serum lead levels were associated with olfactory dysfunction.
• Specific urinary compounds (manganese, 2-Thioxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, 2-Aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid, 2,4 dichlorophenol) linked to smell disturbances.

Conclusions:

• Demographic factors (age, race, gender, education) are significantly associated with smell disturbances.
• Environmental exposures, including vapors and specific chemical compounds, play a role in olfactory dysfunction.
• Findings highlight the need for further prospective research to confirm these associations and understand mechanisms.