Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Olfactory disorders are common in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients, yet most studies in Vietnam relied on subjective assessments, leaving a gap in understanding objective olfactory dysfunction. This study aimd to objectively evaluate olfactory function in CRS patients using the Sniffin’ Sticks test and compare results with subjective self-reports.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 40 chronic rhinosinusitis patients from the University of Medicine Center, Ho Chi Minh City, who were candidates for endoscopic sinus surgery. The Sniffin’ Sticks test assessed threshold, discrimination, and identification abilities, with total scores analyzed using age-adjusted and ideal cut-points.

Results: Using age-adjusted cut-points, normosmia, hyposmia, and anosmia rates were 45.0%, 30.0%, and 25.0%, respectively, shifting to 27.5%, 47.5%, and 25.0% with ideal cut-points. The threshold component showed the most significant impairment. Significant correlations were observed among test components (P < 0.05). Only 55.0% of participants accurately self-reported their olfactory function, revealing a discrepancy between subjective and objective assessments.

Conclusion: This study highlighted the need for objective olfactory testing in CRS patients. Self-reported function may not accurately reflect actual olfactory ability, underscoring the importance of standardized assessment methods in clinical practice.