[Olfactory dysfunctions. Epidemiology and therapy in Germany, Austria and Switzerland]

Abstract

Introduction: Olfactory dysfunction has been reported to affect more than 200,000 patients a year in the USA. The aim of this survey was to obtain comparable epidemiological data and treatment information on olfactory dysfunction in German speaking countries.

Methods: Questionnaires were sent to all otorhinolaryngology departments in Germany, Austria and Switzerland; 52% of hospitals completed the survey.

Results: An average of 46 patients with olfactory dysfunction were treated per hospital every month. Hyp- and anosmia were most commonly caused by inflammatory diseases of the nose/paranasal sinuses (53%), respiratory dysfunction (19%), or postviral conditions (11%). Steroids were used most frequently for pharmacological treatment (topically 82%; orally 65%). Approximately one third of the clinics used B vitamins, or zinc; 80% of the hospitals performed surgery to treat underlying diseases. Acupuncture and smell training was used by approximately 20%.

Conclusion: A total of 79,000 patients per year are treated for olfactory dysfunction in German hospitals. The vast majority of these disorders (72%) is caused by sinunasal diseases. The quality control of therapeutic strategies is urgently needed.