B-ENT
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Gustatory testing for clinicians. By contrast with the evaluation of olfactory function, which has been standardised for almost two decades, the clinical assessment of gustatory function with psychophysical and objective testing is still in its infancy. ⋯ There are now validated tests available for simple quick scans of gustatory function but debate continues about the extent to which such tests can be used for medico-legal purposes. In addition to emerging measures such as gustatory event-related potentials and functional imaging, routine objective gustatory testing will be needed in the future.
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Olfactory dysfunction is deemed to be a significant contributor to poor quality of life in different nasal inflammatory conditions like common cold, allergic rhinitis, and acute and chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps (NP). The mechanism underlying olfactory impairment in inflammatory sinonasal disease relates to either the obstruction of the olfactory cleft due to congestion of the nasal mucosa, the presence of secretions or polyps inside the nasal cavity, or to dysfunction of the sensory mucosa of the olfactory bulb resulting from local inflammation. The reduction of smell capacity in nasal inflammatory conditions may have an acute or gradual onset, often with resolution of smell dysfunction after adequate medical treatment or surgery. ⋯ Most studies have looked at corticosteroids, evaluating the restoration of olfactory capacity as a primary or secondary study outcome parameter. Both nasal and systemic corticosteroids have a beneficial effect on olfactory dysfunction, with systemic treatment being the most powerful. This review aims to provide an overview of current knowledge about medical treatment for rhinosinusitis and its effects on smell.
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Review Comparative Study
Swallowing and functional outcome after partial laryngectomy: a literature review.
There is a wide range of partial surgical resections for the treatment of laryngeal tumours. In addition to good cure rates, the main aim is to preserve a competent and functional larynx. Functional outcomes have proven to have a substantial effect on postoperative quality of life and are usually included in clinical studies. ⋯ In the majority of patients, reports indicate acceptable feeding without the presence of a permanent tracheostomy. However, a wide variety of methods and variables are used to describe these functional outcomes, making the comparison of functional outcome after different treatment modalities and resections difficult. More objective evaluation procedures are needed for swallowing to reveal the exact pathophysiology, spontaneous progression and prognostic factors after well-defined laryngeal resections.