OBJECTIVE: To investigate peripheral nasal pathology as a contributor to olfactory impairment in DS.
STUDY DESIGN: Twenty DS and 16 non-DS subjects were recruited. Nasal history and symptoms were assessed by self-report or informant. Olfactory threshold, odor identification, and nasal endoscopy were assessed on each subject.
RESULTS: DS subjects were impaired on olfactory threshold (P < 0.0001) and odor identification (P < 0.001). Although DS subjects trended toward upper-respiratory infections, sleep-disordered breathing, and nasal itching, differences were not significant (P = 0.07, 0.06, and 0.058, respectively). There were no significant differences on self-reported nasal history or symptoms. Endoscopy showed equivalent health in DS and control subjects.
CONCLUSION: This DS population shows olfactory impairment. However, nasal health is comparable in DS subjects and controls. Nasal dysfunction is unlikely to contribute to olfactory impairment in DS.
SIGNIFICANCE: Olfactory deficits in DS appear to be secondary to central, rather than rhinologic, pathology.
EBM rating: B-2b
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