Reversible obstruction of the olfactory cleft: impact on olfactory perception and nasal patency. Issue 6 (26th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Besser, Gerold; Liu, David T.; Renner, Bertold; Hummel, Thomas; Mueller, Christian A.
• Is Part Of: International forum of allergy & rhinology. Volume 10:Issue 6(2020:Jun.)
• Page Start: 713
• Page End: 718
• Publication Date: 2020-03-26
• Subjects: anosmia -- candies -- flavor -- obstruction -- olfactory cleft -- smell; 617.51005
• DOI: 10.1002/alr.22549
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2042-6976

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Temporary disruption of sensory input can be studied relatively easily for vision or hearing by covering the eyes or ears. In contrast, closing the nostrils affects not only the sense of smell, but also the ability to breathe through the nose and humidify and warm inhaled air. We hypothesized that filling the olfactory cleft (OC) with dissolvable nasal dressing (foam) would temporarily block olfaction while respecting nasal airflow. Methods: In 30 healthy volunteers, the OC was unilaterally obstructed in a back‐to‐front fashion. Orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function were tested before and after foam application. Ratings of odors and subjective nasal patency (SNP) were collected. Peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) was used to measure nasal patency. Results: Foam was safely applied in every case using minimal instruments. No complications were reported. Orthonasal and retronasal test results decreased significantly in overall participants (all p < 0.0008). Indicating temporary anosmia, 3 subjects reached the lowest possible score for odor‐threshold testing, with corresponding drops in retronasal test scores. PNIF values before and after foam application were not significantly different ( p = 0.11). SNP ratings decreased slightly, but not significantly ( p = 0.052). Odor‐intensity ratings dropped significantly (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: The OC can be safely obstructed with dissolvable nasal dressing, resulting in a decrease in odor‐intensity and orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function test scores. This procedure may serve as a hyposmia model that maintains normal nasal airflow.