Smell and taste disorders in childhood: Diagnostic challenges and significant impacts on a child's well-being

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2024 Sep:184:112081. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2024.112081. Epub 2024 Aug 23.

Abstract

Aim: Smell and taste are senses that contribute to a child's overall well-being. Disorders affecting these senses can impact a child's daily life from enjoying meals to detecting potential dangers through scent. The aim of this study is to describe patient characteristics and etiological causes of olfactory (OD) and/or gustatory disorders (GD) in children referred to a smell and taste clinic. Secondly, we aim to suggest a clinical work up.

Methods: Retrospective study where data were collected from 57 children who were referred consecutively to the University Clinic for Flavour, Balance, and Sleep; Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL), Head and Neck Surgery; Goedstrup Hospital, Denmark, for assessment due to OD/GD from January 2017 to May 2023.

Results: Most of the children had anosmia (60 %), whereas sensation of the basic tastes was intact in all but eight children (16 %). The lowest TDI scores were in children with congenital OD. The underlying etiology was congenital followed by postinfectious mostly related to Covid-19. Picky eating including anorectic traits were seen in 16 % of patients.

Conclusion: The focus on smell loss in pediatric population is low, and probably does not adequately reflect either underlying prevalence in this group or the possible consequences on a child's well-being. Moreover, increased awareness of children's smell and taste loss is needed, as it may be associated with eating disturbances.

Keywords: Children; Eating disorders; Smell and taste disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Denmark / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Olfaction Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Olfaction Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Taste Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Taste Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Taste Disorders* / etiology