Olfactory Dysfunction in Interstitial Lung Disease

Sunday, October 12, 2025

9:48 AM - 9:54 AM EDT

Location: 125

Disclosure(s):

Naomi C. Wang, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Cole L. Bird, MS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate if olfactory dysfunction is present in patients with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) and, if present, identify if there is an olfactory phenotype specific to ILD. Malnutrition in patients with ILD is well-documented, and olfactory dysfunction, if present, could contribute to poor oral intake, malnutrition, and quality of life decrements.

Methods: Adult patients diagnosed with ILD were recruited from a specialty pulmonology clinic. All participants completed the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) reporting subjective olfactory dysfunction, and the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders – Negative Statements (QoD-NS). Each patient completed olfactory testing with 14 distinct scents with 4 available concentrations: 1X, 2X, 4X, and 8X. Patients receive a composite score between 0-100 based on the accuracy of detection and identification of scents. Scent- and concentration-specific scores are also generated.

Results: 25 ILD patients were enrolled with 24 age-matched controls (+/- 2 years). One ILD patient was excluded due to incomplete data. Median age was 70.0 in ILD group and 71.4 in the control group. The ILD composite score was 65.0, normal control composite was 74.2 (p=0.002). ILD patients scored were less able than controls to detect and correctly identify Lavender: 62.5 vs 84.4 (p=0.003); Lemon 31.25 vs 55.2 (p=0.01); Clove 80.2 vs 94.8 (p=0.03); and Licorice 69.8 vs 86.5 (p=0.048). Both groups performed best at detecting and identifying the Garlic scent. There was no significant difference in detection between ILD patients and controls at the 2X concentration (89.9% vs 85.7% (p=0.149), respectively). There was no significant difference between SNOT-22 and QoD-NS scores between groups.

Conclusions: This initial data suggests that olfactory dysfunction is present in patients with ILD, with specific scents being more affected than others. Further research into characterizing olfactory dysfunction, specifically on the mechanisms driving the dysfunction, could be useful in providing treatment with the goal of improving quality of life and nutrition.

Presenting Author(s)

AK

Angela L. Kaczorowski-Worthley, Other

Medical Student
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Lenexa, KS, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Co-Author(s)

AH

Alexis J. Harrison, MHA

KUMC Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Overland Park, Kansas, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
IA

Imaan Azeem, BA

The University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
Naomi C. Wang, MD

Resident
University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Otolaryngology– Head & Neck Surgery
Kansas City, MO, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Presenting Author(s)

Cole L. Bird, MS

Medical Student
University of Kansas Medical Center
Lees Summit, MO, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Co-Author(s)

Cole L. Bird, MS

Medical Student
University of Kansas Medical Center
Lees Summit, MO, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
SP

Sahil Pandya, MD

University of Kansas Medical Center, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
SM

Scott M. Matson, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Senior Author(s)

Jennifer A. Villwock, MD

Vice Chair Research, Professor
University of Kansas Department of Otolaryngology
Kansas City, KS, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.