Position paper on olfactory dysfunction: 2023

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic heightened awareness of the significant personal and societal burden of olfactory dysfunction (OD).
• Increased public and scientific recognition of olfaction's impact on quality of life, nutrition, social interactions, and mental health.
• Substantial advancements in basic, translational, and clinical research concerning OD since the 2017 Position Paper on Olfactory Dysfunction (PPOD-17).

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and discuss current evidence for the diagnosis and management of olfactory dysfunction.
• To update recommendations based on recent research and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To promote a common language and enhance the quality and generalizability of research in the field of olfaction.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of current evidence on olfactory dysfunction.
• Development of updated recommendations through a modified Delphi process involving all co-authors.
• Inclusion of new sections addressing qualitative OD and COVID-19 related OD.

Main Results:

• Major updates include revised recommendations on olfactory terminology and imaging.
• New sections specifically address qualitative olfactory dysfunction and COVID-19 associated olfactory dysfunction.
• The management section has been updated to reflect the latest evidence and clinical practices.

Conclusions:

• Provides an overview of current evidence and expert-agreed recommendations for defining, investigating, and managing OD.
• Aims to encourage clinicians and researchers to adopt standardized terminology and practices.
• Expected outcome is an increase in the methodological quality, consistency, and generalizability of research in olfactory dysfunction.