Chronic Rhinosinusitis-Related Smell Loss: Medical and Surgical Treatment Efficacy

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disorder of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses. Olfactory dysfunction is a common manifestation of CRS and one of its cardinal diagnostic features. A decreased sense of smell can have a profound impact on a CRS patient’s quality of life and overall wellbeing. The treatment of CRS-associated olfactory dysfunction includes a wide range of medical interventions, including anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications, and surgical interventions, including endoscopic sinus and nasal surgery. The evidence and treatment efficacy for these interventions is quite varied. This review provides a summary of the efficacy of the medical and surgical therapeutic options for CRS-associated olfactory dysfunction.