Olfaction

Abstract

This paper reviews some recent concepts in olfaction and olfactory disturbances and uses them to suggest an office method to screen olfactory complaints. Management of olfactory disturbances is difficult to date because of a lack of understanding of the olfactory process and problems in evaluation and definition of the exact nature of the disturbance. Once serious etiologies (neoplasms, etc.) have been ruled out, most patients must be followed until further research into the nature of the olfactory transduction process and its alterations or restoration can be completed.