Evaluation of olfactory function in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis and its correlation with acoustic rhinometry

Objectives: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is common in children and hyposmia is a major symptom affecting the quality of life. The aim of the present study is to assess olfactory dysfunction in pediatric patients with SAR and correlate the results with acoustic rhinometry measurements. Methods: Forty children, diagnosed as moderate and severe SAR based on clinical findings, ARIA (Allergic rhinitis and it's impact on asthma) classification and prick test results were enrolled in the study. Endoscopic nasal examination, acoustic rhinometry, total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) tests were performed ‘in season’ (May–August) and ‘out season’ (November–February). Three patients who did not show up in ‘out season’ examinations were excluded from the study. Results: The ages of the children ranged between 8 and 18 years with a hyposmia increased and odor identification decreased (p < 0.005, p = 0.003, respectively), whereas no differences were found between odor thresholds and the discrimination values (p > 0.05). Mean CCCRC value was obstruction score (r =−0.340, p = 0.04), subjective hyposmia (r = −0.44, p = 0.007) and TNSS (r = −0.494, p = 0.02). Although some of the acustic rhinometry parameters were lower during allergy season, there were no correlations between acoustic rhinometry parameters and CCCRS values. Conclusion: Nearly half of the children with AR reported a mild to moderate hyposmia during pollen season and there was a decrease in odor identification, which can be easily shown using a CCCRC test.