[Analysis of clinical characteristics of partial olfactory dysfunction].

Objective: To apply different types and concentrations of T&T olfactometer odorants to exam smell function and explore the clinical characteristics of partial olfactory dysfunction.

Methods: From March 2007 to May 2008, a total of 24 patients with olfactory dysfunction were examined by medical and psychiatric history enquiry, physical examination, smell testing and medical imaging. Olfactory function of each nostril was assessed separately by T&T olfactometer. The test contained five kinds of odorants at different concentrations. Recognition threshold (RT) scores for all five odorants and for each individual odorant were measured in all patients.

Results: Among them, total RT scores were normal while single odorant testing yielded only significant higher RT scores for one or two odorants. For patients who suffered partial olfactory dysfunction, 51.4% are for pleasant odors, while the rest are for unpleasant odors.

Conclusion: Normal total RT scores and abnormal single RT scores of T&T olfactometer are present in partial olfactory dysfunction. As a special clinical manifestation of olfactory disorder, it may be easily ignored in smell testing.