Assessment of Olfactory Dysfunction Using ODOFIN Sniffin' Sticks: A Prospective Comparative Study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Rhinology
• Olfactory Dysfunction Research

Background:

• Olfactory loss compromises detection of hazardous smells (e.g., smoke, gas), reducing quality of life and increasing morbidity.
• Chronic nasal obstruction is a common cause of olfactory dysfunction.
• Current treatment options for smell dysfunction require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of steroid nasal spray versus normal saline nasal spray in improving olfactory dysfunction in patients with chronic nasal obstruction.
• To assess olfactory function using the Sniffin' Stick test before and after a two-week treatment period.

Main Methods:

• A prospective comparative study involving 162 patients with olfactory dysfunction due to nasal pathologies.
• Olfactory function was assessed using the ODOFIN Sniffin' Stick test.
• Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (steroid nasal spray) and Group B (saline nasal spray).

Main Results:

• In Group A, olfactory dysfunction significantly improved, with a reduction in anosmia and hyposmia after two weeks.
• Group B showed no significant improvement in olfactory function.
• The improvement in olfaction in Group A was statistically significant compared to Group B (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Steroid nasal spray is an effective and safe treatment for managing olfactory dysfunction associated with chronic nasal obstruction.
• The Sniffin' Stick test is a reliable tool for assessing olfactory dysfunction in various nasal pathologies.
• Early intervention with steroid nasal spray may help restore olfactory function and mitigate associated risks.