Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
How Does Adenotonsillectomy Affect the Olfactory Threshold in Children?
Samireh Farshchi1, Osman Mohammad Karim2, Mohammad Amir Korani3
11Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Imam Khomaini Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Jomhouri Eslami (Naghlieh) BLV, Kermanshah, 6718743161 Iran.
Insights
Adenotonsillectomy surgery in children significantly improves olfactory threshold and sleep quality. This study found reduced allergic rhinitis symptoms post-operation, suggesting benefits beyond airway improvement.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Adenotonsillectomy is a common pediatric head and neck surgery.
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can obstruct airways and impact sleep quality.
- Potential effects on other senses, like smell, are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare olfactory threshold changes in children before and after adenotonsillectomy.
- To evaluate the impact of adenotonsillectomy on associated symptoms like allergic rhinitis and nocturia.
- To assess changes in sleep quality post-adenotonsillectomy.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study of 152 children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.
- Olfactory threshold assessment using phenyl butyl alcohol in propylene glycol via orthonasal strip test.
- Data collection included pre- and post-operative symptom evaluation for allergic rhinitis, nocturia, and sleep quality.
Main Results:
- Olfactory thresholds significantly improved after adenotonsillectomy (P=0.034).
- Allergic rhinitis prevalence decreased from 83.6% pre-operation to 16.4% post-operation.
- Sleep quality scores significantly improved (P=0.001), with nocturia decreasing, though not significantly.
Conclusions:
- Adenotonsillectomy leads to a significant improvement in olfactory function in children.
- The surgery also positively impacts sleep quality and reduces allergic rhinitis symptoms.
- These findings highlight broader benefits of adenotonsillectomy beyond airway management.
Abstract:
Adenotonsillectomy is one of the main operations on the head and neck surgery quality in children. This study aimed to compare the olfactory threshold changes in adenotonsillectomy patients. This comparative study was done on 152 children whom candidate for adenotonsillectomy before and 3 weeks after the operation referred to the Dr. Kermanshahi Hospital, Kermanshah, Iran during 2015-2016. The olfactory threshold was determined by olfactory test using phenyl butyl alcohol in propylene glycol. The orthonasal test was done by a strip and the lowest propylene glycol detection used as olfactory threshold. The mean age was 6.81 ± 3.83 of patients were boys and 69 of them were girls. The allergic rhinitis was detected in 83.6% of the patients before the adenotonsillectomy while it was only in 16.4% after adenotonsillectomy. Also, nocturia was higher before the adenotonsillectomy 104 (68.4%) compared to post-adenotonsillectomy 48 (31.6%). In 73 (48%) patients, the sleep quality score was 10 after the surgery while there was a patient with score 10 before the operation. The positive allergic rhinitis was higher in male 70 (84.3%) compared to female 57 (82.6%). Also, no significant difference detected on nocturia (P = 0.531). Also, significant difference detected between 2 groups in sleep quality score before and after the adenotonsillectomy (P = 0.001). The olfactory threshold significantly improved after surgery compared to previous (P = 0.034). These results suggest olfactory threshold improves after adenotonsillectomy in children.
More Related Videos
14:05Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
07:38Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
Published on: June 14, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Tonsillitis II: Management
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway
The olfactory...