The sense of smell is not strongly affected by ambient temperature and humidity: a prospective study in a controlled env
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RHINOLOGY
The sense of smell is not strongly affected by ambient temperature and humidity: a prospective study in a controlled environment T. Drews1,2 · M. Nehring3 · A. Werner3 · T. Hummel1 Received: 19 June 2020 / Accepted: 12 October 2020 © Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Introduction The sense of smell is dependent on environmental conditions. In this study, we analysed the effect of temperature and humidity on the ability to smell. Methods Using the controlled setting of a hypobaric climate chamber 50 healthy participants (40 men, 10 women; mean age of 33 years) completed repeated testing in 4 different settings—cold/dry, cold/humid, warm/dry, warm/humid. The temperatures were 20–35 °C, respectively, and the humidity was set at 30–75%. Testing was performed using the “Sniffin’ Sticks” test battery (odour threshold, discrimination and identification) in a semi-randomised order and in controlled atmospheric pressure conditions. Results The analysis showed that neither temperature nor humidity had a significant effect on olfactory test results. This indicates that olfactory functions in healthy, young subjects with an excellent sense of smell are not strongly affected by temporary changes in environmental conditions. Keywords Smell · Olfaction · Temperature · Humidity · Climate chamber
Introduction Olfactory function is influenced by external factors such as air pressure. The best-known example of this is the change in the environment during flights, where the air pressure is lower due to lowered cabin pressure and the air is cool and dry. Smell is reduced in this kind of environment, which may prove problematic as the sense of smell provides vital information in an emergency and, of course, during eating and drinking [1]. A well-known emergency where this may be relevant is the smell of smoke or fuel in the cockpit. Lower air pressure and temperature are also relevant for * T. Drews [email protected] 1
Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Technische Universität Dresden, Technical University of Dresden Medical School, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
2
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Berlin, Scharnhorststr. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
3
German Air Force Center for Aerospace Medicine, Steinborner Str. 43, 01936 Königsbrück, Germany
mountaineers. Reduced smell and, consequently, the reduced flavour may lead to a reduction in calorie intake, which could prove to be fatal during challenging expeditions. Furthermore, smell and taste are relevant when considering the long-term effect of reduced taste and consequently reduced appetite of astronauts who may lose weight in a challenging environment as a consequence of a possible loss of flavour [2]. As a final consideration, the interpretation of clinical test results may possibly be skewed if external factors have an impact on the sense of smell. Previous studies have shown that atmospheric pressure has an effect on the sense of smell. Hypobaric conditions
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