Background: Qualitative olfactory disorders in the form of parosmia and phantosmia are very subjective and cannot be measured at present. They pose an unpleasant experience for patients and a therapeutic challenge for clinicians.
Objective: This study aimed to characterise the specific experiences of patients affected by the qualitative symptoms of parosmia and phantosmia including both triggers for symptoms and self-help measures they have tried.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey questionnaire was developed with the input of patient experts within the charity Fifth Sense. The survey was then open online for 3 months to charity members complaining of qualitative symptoms. The survey captured the frequency and impact of symptoms and self-management undertaken. Reflective feedback was also captured from a patient workshop.
Results: There were 100 participants; 61% female, age range 13-88. Common self-reported aetiology included sinonasal disease (17%), idiopathic (33%) and post-viral olfactory loss (26%) and post-traumatic olfactory loss (23%). Parosmia was reported as a daily symptom in 67% compared to 31% for phantosmia; 36% complained of suffering with both symptoms. Only 4% of respondents reported having received any successful treatment for their qualitative symptoms and 58% reported having received no treatment whatsoever. Olfactory training was the most common self-management method reported.
Conclusion: This study illustrates that qualitative disturbances remain problematic for those who experience them due to the duration of symptoms, the relative lack of experience or knowledge amongst medical professionals and the lack of therapeutic options. In future, consideration needs to be given to adaptation and coping strategies to help patients deal with these symptoms.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/21526567211004251 | DOI Listing |
Soft Matter
January 2025
School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
The surface morphology of the developing mammalian brain is crucial for understanding brain function and dysfunction. Computational modeling offers valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms for early brain folding. Recent findings indicate significant regional variations in brain tissue growth, while the role of these variations in cortical development remains unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
December 2024
Saúde Oeste Family Health Unit, Braga Local Health Unit, Braga, PRT.
Aim: Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent disease in the Portuguese population and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Its proper therapeutic management is multifactorial, with lifestyle habits having a major impact. Studies show that poorer metabolic control is associated with deficient knowledge related to diabetes, lower self-efficacy, and limited patient empowerment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBrain Behav Immun Health
February 2025
General Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Rome, Italy.
Background: This article analyzes the main coordination needs linked to the diagnosis and treatment of oncological diseases, presenting the various integration tools that our healthcare organization adopted to guarantee continuity of care at the IRCCS IFO (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri) in Rome. The object of investigation is the disease management team (DMT) organization for the diagnosis and treatment of people suffering from oncological disease and the consequences in terms of improving their management.
Methods: The study focuses, in particular, on the analysis of the different organizational methods chosen for the management of activities related to diagnosis and treatment paths.
Glob Adv Integr Med Health
January 2025
Optimal Data Analysis, Kouts, IN, USA.
Background: Integrative therapies are increasingly in demand for both symptom management and quality of life in palliative care (PC) populations. Multidisciplinary PC professionals need continuing education/continuing medical education (CE/CME) to keep current on the evidence-informed use of integrative therapies in PC planning.
Objectives: (1) Elicit input from multidisciplinary PC providers on needs for CE/CME content on integrative care, and indicators of implementation for use in impact assessment.
Indian J Psychiatry
November 2024
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Background: First responders are at high risk for adverse mental health outcomes following trauma exposure during disaster response. This mixed methods study aimed to quantify psychological impacts and explore personal experiences among first responders after the Bahanaga train accident that killed 294 passengers in the month of June 2023.
Methods: For qualitative data, in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted, and quantitative data was collected using the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7), and patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
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