Olfactory impairment in Italian patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a patient-centered survey

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an inflammatory condition characterized by persistent nasal obstruction, discharge, facial pressure, and olfactory dysfunction. CRSwNP significantly impairs quality of life (QoL), with olfactory loss being a particularly distressing symp...

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Main Authors: Francesca Anastasi, Frank Rikki Mauritz Canevari, Stefania Gallo, Giulia Gramellini, Enrico Heffler, Ignazio La Mantia, Giulia Monti, Martina Ragusa, Alberto Macchi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-01-01
Series:Frontiers in Allergy
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/falgy.2024.1519069/full
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author Francesca Anastasi
Francesca Anastasi
Frank Rikki Mauritz Canevari
Frank Rikki Mauritz Canevari
Stefania Gallo
Giulia Gramellini
Enrico Heffler
Enrico Heffler
Ignazio La Mantia
Giulia Monti
Martina Ragusa
Alberto Macchi
author_facet Francesca Anastasi
Francesca Anastasi
Frank Rikki Mauritz Canevari
Frank Rikki Mauritz Canevari
Stefania Gallo
Giulia Gramellini
Enrico Heffler
Enrico Heffler
Ignazio La Mantia
Giulia Monti
Martina Ragusa
Alberto Macchi
author_sort Francesca Anastasi
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an inflammatory condition characterized by persistent nasal obstruction, discharge, facial pressure, and olfactory dysfunction. CRSwNP significantly impairs quality of life (QoL), with olfactory loss being a particularly distressing symptom that affects food enjoyment, personal safety, and social interactions.MethodsThis study investigated the experiences of Italian patients with CRSwNP. A cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative survey (Google Forms questionnaire), collecting data on diagnosis, symptomatology, QoL impact, and treatment experiences was developed and distributed.ResultsThere were 155 respondents, with over half diagnosed with CRSwNP for more than a decade. Nasal obstruction was the primary symptom leading to medical consultation. Corticosteroid therapy and surgery showed limited and variable effectiveness in olfactory restoration. Biologic therapy, particularly dupilumab, demonstrated promising results, with approximately half of the patients reporting complete smell restoration.ConclusionsCRSwNP significantly affected patients' QoL, with olfactory dysfunction being a common and impactful symptom. While current treatments provide symptom relief, they do not always result in sustained olfactory improvement. Biologic therapy emerged as a promising option for olfactory restoration, underscoring the importance of personalized treatment strategies. Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms of olfactory recovery and to optimize treatment protocols for CRSwNP.
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spelling doaj-art-3dfd328526e94d219e486cab341ab9032025-01-07T06:45:47ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Allergy2673-61012025-01-01510.3389/falgy.2024.15190691519069Olfactory impairment in Italian patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a patient-centered surveyFrancesca Anastasi0Francesca Anastasi1Frank Rikki Mauritz Canevari2Frank Rikki Mauritz Canevari3Stefania Gallo4Giulia Gramellini5Enrico Heffler6Enrico Heffler7Ignazio La Mantia8Giulia Monti9Martina Ragusa10Alberto Macchi11Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical and Surgical Rhinology, Ospedale San Giovanni Evangelista, Tivoli, ItalyFacoltà Dipartimentale di Medicina, UniCamillus—Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, ItalyUnit of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa, Genoa, ItalyDepartment of Surgical Sciences Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, ItalyUnit of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Department, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese and UPLOAD (Upper and Lower Airways Diseases) Research Centre, University of Insubria, Varese, ItalyUnit of Otorhinolaryngology, ASST GOM Niguarda, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, ItalyPersonalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, ItalyUnit of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Medical, Surgical, and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy0Unit of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Department, ASST Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy1Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, E.N.T. Unit, P.O. “G. Rodolico”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy2Unit of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Department, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese and UPLOAD (Upper and Lower Airways Diseases) Research Centre, University of Insubria, Varese, ItalyBackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an inflammatory condition characterized by persistent nasal obstruction, discharge, facial pressure, and olfactory dysfunction. CRSwNP significantly impairs quality of life (QoL), with olfactory loss being a particularly distressing symptom that affects food enjoyment, personal safety, and social interactions.MethodsThis study investigated the experiences of Italian patients with CRSwNP. A cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative survey (Google Forms questionnaire), collecting data on diagnosis, symptomatology, QoL impact, and treatment experiences was developed and distributed.ResultsThere were 155 respondents, with over half diagnosed with CRSwNP for more than a decade. Nasal obstruction was the primary symptom leading to medical consultation. Corticosteroid therapy and surgery showed limited and variable effectiveness in olfactory restoration. Biologic therapy, particularly dupilumab, demonstrated promising results, with approximately half of the patients reporting complete smell restoration.ConclusionsCRSwNP significantly affected patients' QoL, with olfactory dysfunction being a common and impactful symptom. While current treatments provide symptom relief, they do not always result in sustained olfactory improvement. Biologic therapy emerged as a promising option for olfactory restoration, underscoring the importance of personalized treatment strategies. Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms of olfactory recovery and to optimize treatment protocols for CRSwNP.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/falgy.2024.1519069/fullbiologic therapychronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)dupilumabolfactory restorationsmell
spellingShingle Francesca Anastasi
Francesca Anastasi
Frank Rikki Mauritz Canevari
Frank Rikki Mauritz Canevari
Stefania Gallo
Giulia Gramellini
Enrico Heffler
Enrico Heffler
Ignazio La Mantia
Giulia Monti
Martina Ragusa
Alberto Macchi
Olfactory impairment in Italian patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a patient-centered survey
Frontiers in Allergy
biologic therapy
chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)
dupilumab
olfactory restoration
smell
title Olfactory impairment in Italian patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a patient-centered survey
title_full Olfactory impairment in Italian patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a patient-centered survey
title_fullStr Olfactory impairment in Italian patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a patient-centered survey
title_full_unstemmed Olfactory impairment in Italian patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a patient-centered survey
title_short Olfactory impairment in Italian patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a patient-centered survey
title_sort olfactory impairment in italian patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps a patient centered survey
topic biologic therapy
chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)
dupilumab
olfactory restoration
smell
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/falgy.2024.1519069/full
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