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Development of a Gustatory Function Test for Clinical Application in Korean Subjects
Chi Sang Hwang1, Jin Won Kim1, Salma Saud Al Sharhan2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Yonsei Medical Journal
|February 14, 2018
Summary
This study developed a practical gustatory function test for Koreans, finding that taste sensitivity is better in younger individuals, women, and non-smokers, establishing norms for taste perception.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Sensory Science
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Developing a reliable gustatory function test is crucial for diagnosing taste disorders.
- Existing tests may lack specific population norms or comprehensive taste assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish validated clinical gustatory function values in a Korean population.
- To develop a test that includes the umami taste.
- To create a practical and affordable gustatory assessment tool.
Main Methods:
- 297 participants with self-reported normal taste and smell were assessed.
- A test using 30 liquid taste solutions (sweet, bitter, salty, sour, umami) at six concentrations was administered.
- A 'taste score' was calculated by combining detection and recognition thresholds.
Main Results:
- Women generally exhibited lower detection and recognition thresholds than men.
- A significant negative correlation was observed between age and taste score.
- Non-smokers demonstrated significantly higher taste scores compared to smokers.
Conclusions:
- The developed gustatory function test is easy, affordable, time-saving, and yields reliable data.
- Gustatory function is more sensitive in younger individuals, women, and non-smokers.
- The study provides normative data for a Korean population, aiding in hypogeusia diagnosis.
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