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

AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo 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, r ecognized, 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 FindingsOlfactory 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.Summary1,956 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...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research