Presentation Details
| Long-term positive effects of olfactory training on quality of life and subjective measures of olfactory function Anja L.Winter1, Pernilla Sahlstrand Johnson2, 3, Johan N.Lundström1, 4, 5. 1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.2Skåne University Hospital, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Lund, Sweden.3Lund University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Sweden.4Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.5Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA |
Abstract
Olfactory dysfunction after viral infection is a debilitating condition for which the primary recommended treatment is olfactory training, involving repeated, systematic exposure to odors over time. A new training tool using nasal inserts instead of hand-held devices has been developed to improve ease of use and adherence. In this randomized controlled trial (N = 111), we examined how olfactory training affects subjective olfactory function and quality of life, and whether outcomes differ between standard training and nasal-insert training in individuals with post-viral hyposmia. Participants completed an 8-week training program, with assessments before and after treatment and at 1-year follow-up. Overall, significant and sustained improvements were observed in both perceived olfactory function and quality of life. Critically, the nasal-insert group showed greater short-term gains in social functioning and quantitative olfactory performance, with enhanced olfactory benefits persisting at follow-up. Improvements in quality of life were correlated with subjective olfactory gains, particularly in the nasal-insert group. Findings from this trial provide insight into the benefits of olfactory training on subjective functioning and quality of life, as well as the efficacy of nasal insert training in post-viral hyposmia.
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