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The process of olfaction, also known as the sense of smell, is a sophisticated chemical response system. The specialized sensory neurons that facilitate this process, known as olfactory receptor neurons, are situated in an upper segment of the nasal cavity, known as the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory sensory neurons are bipolar, with their dendrites extending from the epithelium's apex into the mucus that lines the nasal cavity. Airborne molecules, when inhaled, traverse the olfactory...
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Updated: Aug 20, 2025

Olfactory Context Dependent Memory: Direct Presentation of Odorants
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Postinfectious Olfactory Complaints: A Follow-up Study.

Giulio Cesare Passali1, Desiderio Passali2, Giorgio Ciprandi3

  • 1Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.

International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology
|November 21, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Acute upper respiratory infection (AURI) can cause persistent smell impairment, known as postinfectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD). While many cases improve over a year, objective testing is crucial for diagnosis.

Keywords:
acute upper respiratory infectionolfactometryolfactory dysfunction

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Area of Science:

  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acute upper respiratory infection (AURI) is a primary cause of postinfectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD).
  • Persistent smell impairment after AURI requires investigation into its prevalence and characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of PIOD in patients with persistent smell impairment following AURI.
  • To assess the recovery rate of olfactory function one year after AURI resolution.

Main Methods:

  • Olfactometry using the Sniffin' Sticks test was conducted on 467 outpatients.
  • Testing was performed within one month and again after one year post-AURI resolution.

Main Results:

  • Anosmia (6%), hyposmia (7%), and cacosmia (11.7%) were documented shortly after AURI.
  • Significant improvement in PIOD was observed in 79.6% of patients after one year.

Conclusions:

  • Persistent olfactory dysfunction is a notable consequence of AURI.
  • Despite frequent spontaneous recovery, objective olfactometry is essential for diagnosing and managing smell impairment.