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Updated: Feb 6, 2026
10:42
A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
Published on: July 30, 2017
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Effect of Lidocaine on Olfactory Perception in Humans
Churunal Hari1, Ben Grimshaw1, Tim Jacob1
1Olfactory Research Centre, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University CF10 3AX, United Kingdom.
International Journal of Applied & Basic Medical Research
|August 21, 2018
Summary
Local anesthesia with lidocaine temporarily reduced olfactory perception in healthy volunteers. However, olfactory function was not abolished and recovered within 30 minutes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The impact of local anesthetics on nasal mucosa and olfactory acuity remains debated.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for procedures involving intranasal administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of local anesthesia on olfactory perception.
- To determine the extent and duration of olfactory changes following lidocaine application.
Main Methods:
- Six healthy participants received 4% lidocaine via nasal spray.
- Olfactory perception was assessed using amyl acetate stimulus and a forced-choice task.
- Measurements were taken at intervals post-administration.
Main Results:
- Lidocaine caused a transient, mild reduction in olfactory perception (max 35% at 15 min).
- Olfactory perception could be restored by increasing odor stimulus strength.
- Full recovery of detection thresholds occurred within 30 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Intranasal lidocaine reduces but does not eliminate olfactory function.
- Olfactory testing is feasible during local anesthesia, with effects manageable by adjusting stimulus.
- These findings support the use of intranasal lidocaine in otolaryngology without complete olfactory loss.
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