Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2012 May;55(5):272-277. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2012.55.5.272.

Current Trend of Olfactory Disorder Management

• Park SW

• KMID: 1978169
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2012.55.5.272

Abstract

Researchers have revealed many things about olfaction and olfactory disease with various experiments and researches. However, olfactory disorder is still a category of difficult-to-cure disease. Treatment results of olfactory disorders are often unsatisfactory to both the patients and doctors. Diagnostic decision should be based on proper pathophysiologic status of each patient. Systemic administration of steroid is usually effective for patients with olfactory loss of conductive type. However, prolonged use of systemic steroid in defiance of the risk of various side effects is not a desirable treatment option for correction of poor olfaction. Effects of systemic steriod for patients with sensorineural olfactory loss are controversial, and often unsatisfactory. Recently reported new treatment measure which look worthy of notice is repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation. Other options such as olfactory training or theophylline medication should be studied further for judging their values. It is urgent for otolaryngologists to set up proper guideline for diagnosis and treatment of olfactory disorders.

Keyword

Olfaction disorders; Anosmia

MeSH Terms

Humans
Olfaction Disorders
Smell
Theophylline
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Theophylline