Smell and taste disorders in childhood: Diagnostic challenges and significant impacts on a child's well-being

Aim

Smell and taste are senses that contribute to a child's overall well-being. Disorders affecting these senses can impact a child's daily life from enjoying meals to detecting potential dangers through scent.

The aim of this study is to describe patient characteristics and etiological causes of olfactory (OD) and/or gustatory disorders (GD) in children referred to a smell and taste clinic. Secondly, we aim to suggest a clinical work up.

Methods

Retrospective study where data were collected from 57 children who were referred consecutively to the University Clinic for Flavour, Balance, and Sleep; Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL), Head and Neck Surgery; Goedstrup Hospital, Denmark, for assessment due to OD/GD from January 2017 to May 2023.

Results

Most of the children had anosmia (60 %), whereas sensation of the basic tastes was intact in all but eight children (16 %). The lowest TDI scores were in children with congenital OD. The underlying etiology was congenital followed by postinfectious mostly related to Covid-19. Picky eating including anorectic traits were seen in 16 % of patients.

Conclusion

The focus on smell loss in pediatric population is low, and probably does not adequately reflect either underlying prevalence in this group or the possible consequences on a child's well-being. Moreover, increased awareness of children's smell and taste loss is needed, as it may be associated with eating disturbances.