Flavor education and training in olfactory dysfunction: a pilot study

• Published in: European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology 2020-07, Vol.277 (7), p.1987-1994
• Main Authors: Besser, Gerold, Oswald, Michaela M., Liu, David T., Renner, Bertold, Mueller, Christian A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Head and Neck Surgery; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neurosurgery; Olfaction Disorders - etiology; Olfaction Disorders - therapy; Otorhinolaryngology; Pilot Projects; Rhinology; Smell; Taste
• ISSN: 0937-4477; 1434-4726
• DOI: 10.1007/s00405-020-05950-8

Purpose Olfactory training is recommended in olfactory dysfunction (OD) showing promising results. OD patients frequently ask for training modifications in the hope of a better outcome. Also, a lack of knowledge of the flavor system is evident. This investigation sought to implement flavor education (FE) and encourage patients to experience flavors in terms of a flavor training (FT). Methods In included patients ( n  = 30), OD was either of postinfectious (86.7%) or posttraumatic (13.3%) cause. Chemosensory abilities were tested orthonasally (using Sniffin Sticks = TDI) and retronasally (using the Candy Smell Test = CST). Key points of flavor perception were demonstrated in an educative session. Subjects were instructed to consciously experience flavors out of a list of 50. Effects of FT were explored in two groups (group A and B), with group B starting FT 17 weeks later. Results FE was appreciated and drop-out rate stayed very low (one participant). Compliance was high and 30.4 ± 12.9 flavors were tried. Overall TDI scores improved in 10 patients (6 group A, 4 group B) in a clinically significant way (> 5.5). For group A (starting FT earlier) rm-ANOVA showed a significant effect of session (timepoint) on CST ( p