Olfactory disorders in oncology – an overview
- 15.01.2015
- English Articles
- Sabine Chmelar
- Andreas Temmel
- Peter Kier
- Herman Toplak
- Elisabeth Pail
Peer-reviewed | Manuscript received: May 26, 2014 | Revision accepted: October 06, 2014
The olfactory sense
Besides its function in food intake, olfaction is closely linked to our emotions. On the one hand the classification in good and bad odors is genetically determined, e.g. to recognize spoiled food, on the other hand it is strongly shaped by cultural influences on us. In addition, perception of the body odor of other people fulfills an important social function, such as the newborn‘s capability of finding the mother‘s mammilla [1–3].
The human ability of smell perception is dependent on various factors. Advancing age and consumption of tobacco both decrease olfactions. Physiological factors, such as hormonal status or regulatory mechanisms in hunger and satiety, can influence the sense of smell [4, 5]. Whereby in hunger the olfactory function improves and the stimulus threshold for odors declines [6].
Summary
Currently olfactory disorders in cancer patients are often seen as a minor matter, but they actually deserve more attention. Literature shows that tumor diseases and their treatment can affect the olfactory perception of the patients. Olfactory disorders impair quality of life, lead to loss of appetite, decreased nutrient intake and therefore are subsequently risk factors in the complex development of malnutrition. More scientific work is needed for a better understanding of olfactory disorders and their impact on oncological patients, to explore new therapeutic approaches and scientifically reinforce nutritional therapeutic recommendations. As a result of improving the dietary condition, the therapeutic effectiveness as well as the quality of the patients’ lives can be improved. Changes in the perception of odors by patients in oncological care are not only burdensome for those affected, but also pose a challenge for the dietician. This article aims to provide an overview on the latest information concerning this topic.
Keywords: olfactory disorders, oncology, malnutrition, quality of life, diet therapy
