Effects of Pulsed Ultrasound on Olfactory Dysfunction in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Pilot Study Publisher Pubmed



Nakhostinansari A¹ ; Nazem A² ; Nakhostin Ansari N^{1, 2, 3} ; Fathali M² ; Naghdi S^{1, 2, 3} ; Hasson S⁴
Source: Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice Published:2021

Abstract

Background: and purpose. Olfactory dysfunction is a common symptom of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of therapeutic pulsed ultrasound (PUS) on olfactory dysfunction in patients with CRS. Materials and methods: Patients with CRS underwent treatment with PUS for 10 sessions, three days a week. The outcome measures were the Smell Identification Test (SIT) and 20-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20). Results: Fifteen patients (9 male, mean age 48.9 ± 9.7 years) with disease duration of 55.13 ± 65.4 months participated. Analyses showed olfactory dysfunction was completely resolved (Cohen's d = 5.62). The SNOT-20 scores showed significant improvement of CRS symptoms after treatment (Cohen's d = 1.55). Effects remained at one-month follow-up. Conclusion: Therapeutic PUS improved the olfactory dysfunction and sino-nasal symptoms in patients with CRS. The PUS can be considered as a promising strategy to target chronic rhinosinusitis. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd