Disorders of Taste and Smell

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackson R. Vuncannon ◽  
Joshua M. Levy
Keyword(s):  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Personal Safety ◽  
Patient History ◽  
Taste Disturbance ◽  
Taste And Smell ◽  
Smell Loss ◽  
Olfactory Training

Among sensory abilities, smell and taste are the mechanisms through which humans sample chemicals in the environment, also known as chemoreception. These chemosensory abilities allow us to appreciate pleasurable environmental stimuli and provide critical information for the avoidance of potentially toxic compounds or environmental dangers. Correspondingly, dysfunction of these sensory abilities has repercussions not only for quality of life, but also personal safety. In this module, we will undertake an in-depth discussion of chemosensory dysfunction beginning with definitions of olfactory dysfunction and taste disturbance and associated epidemiology. Normal physiology and pathophysiology of chemosensory disorders are reviewed, along with associations of chemosensory disorders to other diseases of the head and neck. An overview of appropriate components of patient history and physical examination follows, with a discussion of indications for further testing. Finally, treatment modalities and patient outcomes for olfactory dysfunction and taste disturbance are highlighted. This review contains 3 figures, 8 tables and 76 references. Key Words: Olfactory Dysfunction, Gustatory Dysfunction, Chemosensation, Evaluation of smell loss, Evaluation of taste loss, Olfactory Training

scholarly journals Effects of COVID-19 on Sense of Smell: Human Factors/Ergonomics Considerations

2021 ◽  
pp. 001872082199016
Author(s):  
E. Leslie Cameron ◽  
Per Møller ◽  
Keith S. Karn
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
System Communication ◽  
Human System ◽  
Sense Of Smell ◽  
Primary Means ◽  
Human Sense ◽  
Smell Loss

Objective We review the effects of COVID-19 on the human sense of smell (olfaction) and discuss implications for human-system interactions. We emphasize how critical smell is and how the widespread loss of smell due to COVID-19 will impact human-system interaction. Background COVID-19 reduces the sense of smell in people who contract the disease. Thus far, olfaction has received relatively little attention from human factors/ergonomics professionals. While smell is not a primary means of human-system communication, humans rely on smell in many important ways related to both quality of life and safety. Method We briefly review and synthesize the rapidly expanding literature through September 2020 on the topic of smell loss caused by COVID-19. We interpret findings in terms of their relevance to human factors/ergonomics researchers and practitioners. Results Since March 2020 dozens of articles have been published that report smell loss in COVID-19 patients. The prevalence and duration of COVID-19-related smell loss is still under investigation, but the available data suggest that it may leave many people with long-term deficits and distortions in sense of smell. Conclusion We suggest that the human factors/ergonomics community could become more aware of the importance of the sense of smell and focus on accommodating the increasing number of people with reduced olfactory performance. Application We present examples of how olfaction can augment human-system communication and how human factors/ergonomics professionals might accommodate people with olfactory dysfunction. While seemingly at odds, both of these goals can be achieved.

Australian Schizophrenia Care and Assessment Programme: Real-World Schizophrenia: Outcomes

2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 969-979 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayashri Kulkarni ◽  
Anthony R. de Castella ◽  
Kate M. Filia ◽  
Sacha L. Filia ◽  
Natasha Marston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Real World ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Present Sample ◽  
Assessment Programme ◽  
Over Time

Objective: It has been increasingly recognized that there is need to assess patient outcomes in schizophrenia across a broad range of dimensions. But few studies have attempted to do this in clinical populations and no systematic study has broadly assessed outcomes in schizophrenia in Australia using a longitudinal design. Thus, a real-world study, the Schizophrenia Care and Assessment Programme (SCAP), was structured to collect comprehensive information over time to inform policy debate and extend current knowledge about the course of schizophrenia in an Australian context. Methods: A cohort of 347 patients with schizophrenia was followed up over 3 years. Clinical outcomes, occupational and psychosocial functioning and quality of life were assessed at 6 monthly intervals, and resource utilization and costing data were collected continuously from internal and external databases as well as from participants directly. Results: The participants as a group experienced an overall decline in positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, a reduction in general psychopathology and a reduction in severity of depression. There was an improvement in functioning, a reduction in mental health-related disability and an improvement in patient- and observer-rated quality of life. Change of severity within the variously assessed domains over time appeared to be relatively independent. Conclusions: In the present sample of schizophrenia patients treatment was associated with positive health outcomes; but outcomes across assessment domains did not closely correlate across time. The scrutiny of a broad range of patient outcomes will assist with the assessment of new treatment modalities and with service planning.

scholarly journals Lung cancer care trajectory at a Canadian centre: an evaluation of how wait times affect clinical outcomes

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 302 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Kasymjanova ◽  
D. Small ◽  
V. Cohen ◽  
R.T. Jagoe ◽  
G. Batist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Model Of Care ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Lung Cancer Patients

Background Lung cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers in Canada, with approximately 28,400 new cases diagnosed each year. Although timely care can contribute substantially to quality of life for patients, it remains unclear whether it also improves patient outcomes. In this work, we used a set of quality indicators that aim to describe the quality of care in lung cancer patients. We assessed adherence with existing guidelines for timeliness of lung cancer care and concordance with existing standards of treatment, and we examined the association between timeliness of care and lung cancer survival.Methods Patients with lung cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 were identified from the Pulmonary Division Lung Cancer Registry at our centre.Results We demonstrated that the interdisciplinary pulmonary oncology service successfully treated most of its patients within the recommended wait times. However, there is still work to be done to decrease variation in wait time. Our results demonstrate a significant association between wait time and survival, supporting the need for clinicians to optimize the patient care trajectory.Interpretation It would be helpful for Canadian clinicians treating patients with lung cancer to have wait time guidelines for all treatment modalities, together with standard definitions for all time intervals. Any reductions in wait times should be balanced against the need for thorough investigation before initiating treatment. We believe that our unique model of care leads to an acceleration of diagnostic steps. Avoiding any delay associated with referral to a medical oncologist for treatment could be an acceptable strategy with respect to reducing wait time.

scholarly journals Assessment of odor hedonic perception: the Sniffin’ sticks parosmia test (SSParoT)

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David T. Liu ◽  
Antje Welge-Lüssen ◽  
Gerold Besser ◽  
Christian A. Mueller ◽  
Bertold Renner
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Olfactory Perception ◽  
Patient History ◽  
Odor Perception ◽  
Identification Test ◽  
Health And Disease

Abstract Qualitative olfactory dysfunction is characterized as distorted odor perception and can have a profound effect on quality of life of affected individuals. Parosmia and phantosmia represent the two main subgroups of qualitative impairment and are currently diagnosed based on patient history only. We have developed a test method which measures qualitative olfactory function based on the odors of the Sniffin’ Sticks Identification subtest. The newly developed test is called Sniffin’ Sticks Parosmia Test (SSParoT). SSParoT uses hedonic estimates of two oppositely valenced odors (pleasant and unpleasant) to assess hedonic range (HR) and hedonic direction (HD), which represent qualitative olfactory perception. HR is defined as the perceivable hedonic distance between two oppositely valenced odors, while HD serves as an indicator for overall hedonic perception of odors. This multicenter study enrolled a total of 162 normosmic subjects in four consecutive experiments. Cluster analysis was used to group odors from the 16-item Sniffin’ Sticks Identification test and 24-additional odors into clusters with distinct hedonic properties. Eleven odor pairs were found to be suitable for estimation of HR and HD. Analysis showed agreement between test–retest sessions for all odor pairs. SSparoT might emerge as a valuable tool to assess qualitative olfactory function in health and disease.

scholarly journals 4347 Bimodal Visual-Olfactory Training for Post-Surgical or Post-Traumatic Olfactory Dysfunction (VOLT Trial)

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 23-24
Author(s):  
Andrew Michael Peterson ◽  
Dorina Kallogjeri ◽  
Jay Piccirillo
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Quality Of Life Questionnaires ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Identification Test ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Smell Identification ◽  
Olfactory Training

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: 1) Assess the patient-reported, perceived change in olfactory function after bimodal visual-olfactory training (OT) 2) Assess change in olfactory function after bimodal visual-olfactory training with a smell identification test 3) Assess which scents are most important to people with olfactory dysfunction (OD) METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The participants are adults with subjective or clinically diagnosed OD with post-surgical or traumatic etiologies within the last 5 years. At the first of two study visits, participants complete the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and complete general health (SF-36) and olfactory-related quality-of-life questionnaires. From a list of 34 scents, participants chose the 4 scents most important to them and smelled the scents twice daily for 3 months. Olfactory testing and the quality-of-life questionnaires were repeated at the final visit. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: 10 participants have enrolled in the study. There was one screen fail and one withdrawal. Six participants are currently undergoing OT and two have completed the study. Seven participants have post-surgical etiology and three have post-traumatic etiology of their OD. Of the two participants who have completed the study, one had an UPSIT score improvement from 25 to 33 out of the 40 questions correct. The minimally clinically important difference on the UPSIT is 4. She reports improvement subjectively. The second participant had a UPSIT score change from 25 to 24 and reports ability to smell is neither better nor worse. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Traumatic and post-surgical, particularly post-transphenoidal hypophysectomy, are common etiologies of OD and no effective treatments exist. The results from our pilot study will help better inform the best way to undergo OT, how effective it is, and the planning of future studies.

DETERMINATION OF QUALITY OF SURFACE IN HOME CONDITIONS

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-101
Author(s):  
G.A. Irgalina ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Reaction ◽  
Regulatory Document ◽  
Organoleptic Evaluation ◽  
Organoleptic Characteristics ◽  
Small Grains ◽  
Sour Cream ◽  
Taste And Smell ◽  
Home Conditions

The article reflects the assessment of the quality of sour cream at home, and considers methods for determining the quality of sour cream. Organoleptic evaluation was performed for compliance with the requirements of GOST 52092-2003 " Smetana. Technical conditions " in terms of appearance, consistency, color, taste and smell. The consistency of sour cream is determined during its mixing, while evaluating the presence of a glossy appearance of sour cream. Sour cream is considered thick if it slowly drains from the whorl. The smell is determined immediately after mixing. Then we evaluate the taste. When evaluating the quality of the samples under study, it was found that the organoleptic characteristics of the samples fully comply with the requirements of the regulatory document. Analyzing the results of the experiment, we can conclude that in the first experiment, the sour cream purchased on the market was completely dissolved, and the sour cream from the store after dissolution showed small grains. And in the second experiment, the results showed that the color did not change in the sample # 2, but under # 1 it turned blue. The basis of this experiment is a qualitative chemical reaction to starch, which is used as a thickener.

Role of Erlotinib in Influencing the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 07 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepika Purohit ◽  
Parijat Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Pancreatic Cancers ◽  
Review Reports ◽  
Causes Of Deaths

Background:: Cancer is one of the significant causes of morbidity and mortality in patients globally. Lung cancer, among other cancers, remains to be one of the principal causes of deaths in both men and women. The most common type of lung cancer is the non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Apart from lung cancer, pancreatic cancer is also one of the common cancers currently. Objective:: The assessment of QoL in erlotinib-treated patients can also prove to be very useful in the establishment of this drug as the main treatment option for the patients with pancreatic and lung cancer. Methods:: Therapies that target EGFR-mediated signalling are the latest keystones for treating these two types of cancers. They comprise of two main treatment modalities: firstly, against the extracellular fields, that include monoclonal antibodies and secondly, mechanisms that create interferences in the signalling pathways, primarily the small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Results:: Quality of life (QoL) is one of the key advantages in erlotinib therapy over chemotherapy. Conclusion:: The present review reports the role of erlotinib in improving the quality of life of cancer patients especially in NSCLC and pancreatic cancers. The studies or trials establishing the relations between erlotinib and QoL are discussed in detail in this review.

A Study on Frozen Shoulder and its clinical management through Nasaapana and Nasya

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Praveenkumar H. Bagali ◽  
A. S. Prashanth
Keyword(s):  
Medical Science ◽  
Frozen Shoulder ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Animal Kingdom ◽  
Shoulder Joints ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

The unique position of man as a master mechanic of the animal kingdom is because of skilled movements of his hands and when this shoulder joints get obstructed, we call it as Apabahuka (Frozen shoulder), we do not find satisfactory management in modern medical science. Various effective treatment modalities have been mentioned which reverse the pathogenesis, Shodhana is advised initially followed by Shamana therapies. In the present study 30 patients were selected incidentally and placed randomly into two groups A and B, with 15 subjects in each group. Group A received Amapachana with Panchakola Churna, Jambeera Pinda Sweda and Nasya Karma. Group B received Amapachana with Panchakola Churna, Jambeera pinda Sweda and Nasaapana. In both the groups two months follow up was done. Both groups showed significant improvement in the signs and symptoms of Apabahuka as well as the activities of daily livings, thereby improving the quality of life of the patients. Nasya Karma and Nasaapana provided highly significant results in all the symptoms of Apabahuka. In the present study as per the clinical data, Nasaapana is found to be more effective than Nasya Karma.

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