RHINOLOGY 

Otorinolaringologia 2012 March;62(1):47-61

Copyright © 2012 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Olfactory disorders

Chaaban M. R., Pinto J. M.

Section of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

Olfactory disorders are challenging for primary care physicians as well as otolaryngologists, as they are associated with a major decline in quality of life. Obtaining an accurate and detailed history and performing a comprehensive head and neck examination aids in identifying the underlying etiology. There are two main categories of olfactory disorders: conductive and sensorineural. Though there are limited treatment options for these disorders, intervention to be considered depend on the cause. This review will include a brief introduction on the anatomy and physiology of olfaction followed by a discussion of the major categories of olfactory disorders, and lastly a summary of treatment options.