From persistent olfactory dysfunction to permanent loss: investigating quality of life in acquired and congenital anosmia.

BACKGROUND: Growing awareness of permanent olfactory dysfunction has raised concerns about its impact on quality of life (QoL). This study examined the effect of permanent anosmia on QoL by comparing patients with acquired anosmia of varying durations, including cases persisting for over a decade and cases of isolated congenital anosmia (ICA). METHODOLOGY: A total of 59 patients with post-viral or idiopathic anosmia who sought medical evaluation due to olfactory com-plaints completed the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD), which measured impairment, coping ability, and subjective disturbance. Patients were categorized into three groups: persistent acquired anosmia (PerA, duration 6 months-2 years), prolon-ged acquired anosmia (ProA, duration ≥10 years), and ICA to reflect distinct populations. Patients with intermediate or uncertain duration were excluded to avoid recall bias. RESULTS: Perceived impairment, as reflected by QOD-NS and work domain of QOD-VAS, was higher in the PerA and ProA groups than in the ICA group. No significant differences in QOD-NS and QOD-VAS were observed between PerA and ProA groups. The ProA group exhibited better coping ability, as indicated by higher QOD-PS scores, than did the PerA group, suggesting coping over time. Coping scores in the ProA and ICA groups were comparable, indicating long-term adjustment in anosmic individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Acquired anosmia has a greater impact on QoL than does congenital anosmia. Individuals with prolonged acquired anosmia exhibited better subjective coping.