A randomised controlled trial of sodium citrate spray for non-conductive olfactory disorders.

Objectives: Previous research has suggested that sodium citrate improves hyposmia by decreasing mucus calcium levels in the nose. This study aimed to confirm or refute this effect in a single application and assess potential side-effects.

Design: Study design was a randomised double-blind controlled trial of sodium citrate nasal spray (intervention) vs sterile water (control).

Taste, smell and appetite change after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

Background: It is apparent from day-to-day practice that patients frequently report changes to their appetite, taste and smell after weight loss surgery. There has been surprisingly little written in the literature on this. The aim of the current study was to assess these parameters in a cohort of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

The Leicester semi-automated olfactory threshold test--a psychophysical olfactory test for the 21st century.

Objective: Develop a useful and cost-effective olfactometer for routine clinical use by providing a standardised threshold test for patients with olfactory disorders presenting in the ENT clinic.

Method Of Study: A prospective study of olfactory thresholds in 48 healthy volunteers on 2 consecutive occasions, undergoing quantitative testing with an olfactometer. Further studies of 10 subjects performing 20 tests and 100 subjects performing a single test were performed.

Nasal pathophysiology and its relationship to the female ovarian hormones.

The influence of the female ovarian hormones on nasal physiology has been the subject of ongoing research, especially over the last 20 years, yet their role remains unclear. This review looks at the evidence to date from the studies that have looked at the different physiologic and therapeutic scenarios in which the ovarian hormones are raised. It also examines the current pathophysiologic links between the hormonal surges and nasal congestion and the missing links that need to be addressed in future studies.

The presence of ovarian hormone receptors in the nasal mucosa and their relationship to nasal symptoms.

Background: There is evidence in the literature showing a link between ovarian hormones and changes to nasal physiology.

Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to identify and quantify female hormone receptor positive cells in the nasal mucosa and to establish if there is a correlation with rhinitic symptoms.

Methods: Twenty-five adult patients attending a university hospital for routine, elective nonrhinological ENT procedures under general anaesthetic (mainly tonsillectomy) were recruited pre-operatively.