Tests for screening olfactory and gustatory function in school-age children

Abstract

Objective: Determine the suitability of three tests based on the identification of familiar odors and tastes for the clinical assessment of olfaction and gustation in children.

Study design and setting: A total of 232 children aged 5 to 7 years from Sydney public schools and 56 adults aged 18 to 51 years participated in a cross-sectional study.

Results: The children demonstrated they can identify the majority of the 16 test odorants and 4 common tastes that describe gustatory function. The response distributions obtained for each test provide the basis for a set of normative data for young children.

Conclusion: Olfactory and gustatory function can be determined in school-age children using the three tests described.

Significance: Currently no satisfactory clinical tests of olfaction and gustation for children or normative data are available. The present study resolves these shortcomings and provides normative data that can be used in the diagnosis of olfactory and gustatory impairment in school-age children.