Influence of nasal obstruction on smell function.

This article has reviewed studies that document a relationship between loss of smell function and disturbances in nasal airflow function. In some cases (for example, hypertrophied adenoids and nasal sinus disease), medical or surgical intervention appears to be useful in restoring some, if not all, of the smell loss associated with the disorder. In other cases (for example, septoplasty), empirical evidence of such efficacy is wanting. Given the current research interest on these topics, however, a clear understanding of both the positive and negative influences of surgical and medical interventions in most cases of obstructive nasal disease or malformities will be forthcoming.