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The Association Between Smoking on Olfactory Dysfunction in 3,900 Patients With Olfactory Loss
Alexander W Fjaeldstad1,2,3, Therese Ovesen1,2, Thomas Hummel4
1Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Flavour Institute, Aarhus, Denmark.
The Laryngoscope
|February 26, 2020
Summary
Current smoking is linked to posttraumatic olfactory loss, but not other causes. Smoking cessation is particularly recommended for those with trauma-related smell dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- The relationship between smoking and olfactory dysfunction is complex, with prior studies showing conflicting results.
- Smoking cessation has been shown to improve olfactory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate olfactory function and smoking habits in patients with olfactory loss of various etiologies.
- To identify patterns related to smoking in patients with smell dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study involving 3,900 patients from specialized taste and smell centers.
- Olfactory testing, clinical examination, and etiological identification were performed.
- Analysis of olfactory test scores, demographics, and etiologies.
Main Results:
- Current smokers (n=521) and former smokers (n=316) showed no significantly lower olfactory function compared to non-smokers.
- Current smokers were more frequently affected by posttraumatic olfactory loss, but not sinonasal, postviral, or idiopathic olfactory loss.
Conclusions:
- Current smoking, not former smoking, is associated with posttraumatic olfactory loss.
- Smoking cessation is especially relevant for patients with posttraumatic olfactory loss.
- The specific mechanism linking smoking to posttraumatic olfactory loss requires further investigation.
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