Olfactory Dysfunction in a Mexican Population Outside of COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevalence and Associated Factors (the OLFAMEX Study)

Abstract

Purpose of Review To study the prevalence of olfactory loss and its associated factors in a Mexican population a cross-sectional analytical study based on a population interviewed about health, epidemiologic aspects, and sense of smell (tested with four scents: rose, banana, perfume, and gas) was conducted to evaluate olfactory detection, memory, and identification. Levels of sense of smell perception were determined when the participants detected, recognized, or identified all (normosmia), 1–3 (hyposmia), or none (anosmia) of the odorants. Associated factors of olfactory dysfunction were identified by multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 95%CI). Recent Findings Olfactory dysfunction is a prevalent disorder affecting up to 20% of the general population. In addition to viral infection, including COVID-19, a number of other causes and factors may also be involved. Summary 1,956 surveys were conducted and 1,921 were analyzed. Most of the participants (62.1%) were women. The general prevalence of olfactory dysfunction, regarding detection, was 7.2% (7.1% hyposmia, 0.1% anosmia). Age-related olfactory deterioration was observed in both sexes from the 5th decade of life (OR 2.74, p = 0.0050). Women showed better olfactory identification (OR 0.73, p = 0.0010). Obesity (OR 1.97, p = 0.0070), low educational level, bad/very bad self-perceived olfactory function (OR 2.74, p = 0.0050), olfactory loss for less than one week (OR 1.35, p = 0.0030), exposure to toxics/irritants (OR 1.31, p = 0.0030), active smoking (OR 1.58, p < 0.0010), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 2.68, 95%CI 1.74–4.10, p < 0.0001) were identified as factors associated with olfactory dysfunction. These results in a Mexican population suggest better olfactory identification (verbalization) in females. Age was a determining factor in the olfactory deterioration process and obesity and diabetes mellitus were also associated with olfactory disorders. Finally, these findings reinforce the differential diagnosis with other potential causes of sense of smell loss, during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Olfactory-related quality of life impacts psychological distress in people with COVID-19: The affective implications of olfactory dysfunctions

“… Meini et al (2020) found that olfactory dysfunctions in women are less frequent than men, but longer lasting. Castillo-López et al (2020) found that low educational level and medical comorbidities were associated with greater olfactory dysfunctions. Findings concerning the association between severity of the COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunctions are mixed ( Lechien et al, 2021 ; Vaira et al, 2020 ), while the longer the duration of the disease, the stronger the olfactory dysfunctions ( Vaira et al, 2020 ).…”

Profil Pasien COVID-19 dengan Gangguan Penghidu di RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Padang Periode 1 Januari - 31 Desember 2021

“…17 Kecenderungan adanya penurunan fungsi penghidu pada orang berusia 40 tahun ke atas dan prevalensi gangguan penghidu tertinggi terdapat pada orang yang berusia lebih dari 60 tahun. 18 Hal ini terjadi karena terjadi proses degeneratif anatomi dan fisiologi pada orang dengan lanjut usia sehingga imunitas yang dimiliki dapat menurun dan dapat menyebabkan rentan terhadap berbagai penyakit. 19 Pasien yang lebih tua dapat memiliki risiko yang lebih tinggi terhadap penyakit yang parah.…”

Olfactory Dysfunction in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Review

“…Interestingly, studies showed higher viral loads in CD patients with COVID-19 than those in non-CD patients ( 70 ), but individual viral loads were not associated with the prevalence, severity, or recovery from OD in subsequent investigations ( 71 , 72 ). In addition, a study of OD outside of the COVID-19 pandemic found a low educational level, reduced self-perceived olfactory function, and exposure to toxic substances/irritants to be potential risk factors for OD as well, findings that could help to identify the new potential risk factors of OD in patients with COVID-19 ( 73 ).…”