Comparing quality of life in smell and taste disorders with other chronic conditions – a narrative review

Objectives: Smell and taste disorders (SATDs) are increasingly prevalent but remain underrecognised, significantly affecting patients' physical, social and psychological well-being. We recently published a large cohort study reporting Olfactory Disorder Questionnaire (ODQ), EQ-5D-5L (EuroQol Five-Dimension Five-Level) and EQ-5D-5L Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for patients with SATDs. These results highlight the considerable impact of SATDs on quality of life and mental health. This review seeks to evaluate the disease burden of SATDs by comparing their impact on quality of life and mental health with other chronic conditions, using established metrics such as EQ-5D-5L and BDI from the existing literature. 

Methods: A literature review was conducted from 1 January 2010 to 10 August 2024, to identify systematic reviews reporting EQ-5D-5L or BDI values in chronic conditions. 

Results: Our findings show that EQ-5D-5L and BDI scores for patients with SATDs are comparable to those reported for other chronic conditions, including diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular, respiratory and ENT disorders. 

Conclusion: These results highlight the significant burden olfactory dysfunction imposes on individuals. However, unlike other chronic conditions with established treatment protocols, effective therapies for SATDs remain limited, emphasising a critical gap in both research and care. Increased awareness and further research are essential to develop effective treatments and improve outcomes for this often-overlooked population.