B-ENT

Management of post-infectious olfactory dysfunction: a nationwide survey of UK ENT consultants

1.

Department of Otolaryngology, West Wales General Hospital, Dolgwili Road, Carmarthen, Wales

B-ENT 2009; 5: 163-167
Read: 726 Downloads: 584 Published: 18 February 2020

Management of post-infectious olfactory dysfunction: a nationwide survey of UK ENT consultants. Objective: To determine the current practice of UK ENT consultants in investigating cases of suspected post-infectious olfactory dysfunction.

Method: We prepared questionnaires and posted these to every consultant ENT surgeon registered with the British Association of Otolaryngologists Head and Neck Surgeons (BAO-HNS). Questions included preferred radiological investigation, smelling test and follow up.

Results: A total of 510 questionnaires were sent, with a response rate of 51%. Most UK consultant ENT surgeons investigated suspected post-infectious olfactory dysfunction by performing either a CT (44%) or an MRI (29%) scan, but only 37% performed formal smell tests. Most consultant ENT surgeons (76%) decide not to follow up post-infectious olfactory dysfunction.

Conclusion: This study gives an indication that suspected post-infectious olfactory dysfunction is not investigated thoroughly in the United Kingdom, with only a minority of clinicians performing formal smell tests and a lack of consensus as to radiological investigation. Standardisation of investigations is key to adequately managing suspected post-infectious olfactory dysfunction.

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