Characteristics of olfactory disorder with and without reported flavor loss

Objective Quality of life related to olfactory loss depends on the perceived impairment. It is not known why some patients with olfactory loss report smell and flavor loss while others report smell loss only. In order to understand this, we compared these two clinical presentation forms in terms of demographics, clinical features and test results.

Methods A total of 401 patients with smell dysfunction presenting at a tertiary referral center were divided in 2 groups according to their subjective reports (smell loss only= 129 patients vs. smell and flavor loss =272 patients). Groups were compared in terms of demographic (age, sex), clinical features (duration of disease, type of onset, etiology, degree of impairment due to the disorder) and test results (taste and orthonasal olfaction).

Results Groups did not differ in terms of age, sex distribution, orthonasal olfactory or taste function. Patients reporting smell and flavor loss were characterized by a mainly sudden onset of the disorder and a predominance of postinfectious olfactory loss. They also have a shorter duration of disorder and a higher impairment due to the disorder. On the other hand, when patients reported loss of orthonasal function only, their disorder duration is longer, they feel less impaired, the onset of the disorder is to a higher degree protracted, and the main cause is idiopathic.

Conclusions Significant different clinical features are seen between patients with olfactory loss reporting smell and flavor loss and patients reporting smell loss only. This can in turn help with improving diagnosis quality of olfactory loss.

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Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021