Article
Effect of corticosteroids on smell disorders in persistent allergic rhinitis
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Published: | April 22, 2010 |
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Outline
Abstract
Introduction: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic disorder characterized by typical symptoms, the most important being nasal obstruction and also a degree of smell disturbance has been found in allergic rhinitis (AR).The aim of the study is to evaluate the sense of smell dysfunctions (hyposmia or anosmia) in persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) using Sniffin-Sticks Test (odour threshold, discrimination and identification) and the effects of topic corticosteroid treatment.
Methods: A prospective controlled study was performed to 35 patients with PER. Olfactory function was evaluated by the Sniffin-Sticks olfactometry Test for odour threshold, discrimination and identification in comparison to a group of 50 healthy volunteers. In patients with PER nasalvobstruction was evaluated by anterior and acoustic rhinometry before and after the corticosteroid treatment based on ARIA criteria.
Results: Most patients with PER presented hyposmia and less anosmia, moderate/severe PER predominated among patients with hyposmia, while mild PER predominated among patients without hyposmia but the final results are still in the working process.
Key words: olfaction, dysfunction, persistent allergic rhinitis, corticosteroids