• Thomas Hummel, David T Liu, Christian A Müller, Boris A Stuck, Antje Welge-Lüssen, and Antje Hähner.
• Interdisciplinary Center for Smell and Taste, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna General Hospital, Austria; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Giessen and Marburg University Hospital Ltd., Marburg; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Basel University Hospital, Switzerland.
• Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2023 Mar 13; 120 (9): 146154146-154.

BackgroundDisorders of the sense of smell have received greater attention because of the frequency with which they occur as a symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Olfactory dysfunction can lead to profound reduction in quality of life and may arise from many different causes.MethodsA selective literature review was conducted with consideration of the current version of the guideline issued by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany.ResultsThe cornerstones of diagnosis are the relevant medical history and psychophysical testing of olfactory function using standardized validated tests. Modern treatment strategies are oriented on the cause of the dysfunction. While treatment of the underlying inflammation takes precedence in patients with sinunasal dysosmia, olfactory training is the primary treatment option for other forms of the disorder. The prognosis is determined not only by the cause of the olfactory dysfunction and the patient's age, but also by the olfactory performance as measured at the time of diagnosis.ConclusionOptions for the treatment of olfactory dysfunction are available but limited, depending on the cause. It is therefore important to carry out a detailed diagnostic work-up and keep the patient informed of the expected course and prognosis.

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