Evaluation of Olfactory Sensation, Acoustic Rhinometry, and Quality of Life of the Patients With Nasal Septal Deviation.

OBJECTIVES: Nasal septum deviations are deformities that occur in the cartilage and bones of the septum. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the patients with septum deviation according to the acoustic rhinometry measurements in terms of changes in smell function and the effects on quality of life. METHODS: Twenty patients with septum deviation between the ages18 to 75 years old and 20 subjects without septum deviation were included in the study. Control group consisted of the 20 subjects with no septal deviation. After ENT examinations, acoustic rhinometry measurements, the SF-36 quality of life scale, and the Brief Smell Identification Tests were applied to all patients. Type of septum deviation is classified according to Mladina classification by anterior rhinoscopy examination, nasal endoscopy, and paranasal computed tomography. RESULTS: The study indicated that the most common deviation type was Mladina Type 3 (65%). Bilateral total smell score of the women in the septum straight group is significantly lower than the men in terms of total smell scores by gender (P < 0.05). The total smell score values in septum group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). According to the individual smell values, cinnamon, banana, and soap odors of the septum deviation group were seen to be significantly lower than the septum straight group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicated that olfactory dysfunction occurs in patients with septum deviation. Therefore, treatment of septum deviation is necessary for the improvement of nasal obstruction besides the treatment of the smell dysfunction.