Present status of the treatment for olfactory dysfunction

Olfactory dysfunction is defined as decrease or loss of smell perception.This review systematically summarizes classification, etiology and diagnosis progress of olfactory dysfunction, and focuses on advancement in management of olfactory dysfunction, including pharmaceutical remedy, surgical treatment as well as olfactory training.Glucocorticoids play an important role in the treatment of olfactory dysfunction. Sodium citrate, vitamin A, and nonspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitors (theophylline, pentoxifylline) are promising drugs.Endoscopic paranasal sinuses surgery can improve the olfactory dysfunction caused by chronic sinusitis to some extent.Olfactory training has been proven to be effective for a variety of causes of olfactory dysfunction.