Effects of Age on Recovery of Olfactory Function After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Related Risk Factors

Abstract

Objectives: To study the effects of age on the olfactory function recovery of chronic rhinosinusitis patients after endoscopic sinus surgery and related risk factors. Methods: A total of 176 chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients enrolled from February 2017 to October 2019 were divided into child, youth, middle-aged, and elderly groups. Their baseline data, T&T olfactory test score, visual analogue scale (VAS) olfactory score, sinus computed tomography (CT) Lund-Mackay score, and Lund-Kennedy score were compared. Based on postoperative olfactory function, they were divided into good and poor improvement groups. Results: Complication with nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis history, and sinus surgery history had significant differences among patients of different ages ( P < .05). Three months after surgery, T&T olfactory, VAS olfactory, Lund-Mackay, and Lund-Kennedy scores all rose with increasing age, with significant differences between any 2 groups ( P < .05). The improvement of postoperative olfactory function became poorer with aging ( P < .05). T&T and VAS olfactory scores had significant positive correlations with Lund-Mackay and Lund-Kennedy scores ( P < .001). Age, preoperative Lund-Mackay and Lund-Kennedy scores, complication with nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis history, sinus surgery history, and postoperative complications were risk factors for the poor improvement of postoperative olfactory function. Doctor-directed treatment was a protective factor for good improvement. Conclusions: The improvement of olfactory function of CRS patients after endoscopic sinus surgery declines with aging. Age, preoperative Lund-Mackay and Lund-Kennedy scores, complication with nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis history, sinus surgery history, and postoperative complications are risk factors for the poor improvement of postoperative olfactory function. Doctor-directed treatment is a protective factor for good improvement.