Effects of Mechanical Nasal Stimulation on Olfaction.

PURPOSE: Experimental studies have shown that the olfactory sensory receptor neurons not only identify odors and assess odor concentrations, but also act as respiratory mechanical sensors that respond to nasal airflow during breathing. Both odor detection and mechanical sensing appear mediated by a shared cellular mechanism. This prospective, single-arm, uncontrolled, pilot study was conducted to ascertain whether olfactory nerve mechanical stimulation provided by a nasal breathing oscillation device (Goodair Nosebuds) could influence olfaction when olfaction was assessed objectively. The study was performed on participants, who felt that their olfaction could be improved. METHODS: Participants wore a nasal breathing oscillation device (Goodair Nosebuds) ten minutes twice a day for four weeks. At the beginning of the study and after four weeks, the participants' olfaction was assessed. Olfactory testing was performed using Sniffin' Sticks (phenyl ethyl alcohol threshold, odor discrimination and odor identification). RESULTS: After four weeks, participants using the nasal breathing oscillation device (Goodair Nosebuds), had an increase in olfactory function in phenyl ethyl alcohol threshold, and odor identification when compared to baseline. The global olfactory score (the sum of the three scores) increased. CONCLUSION: This prospective, single-arm, uncontrolled, pilot study indicates that olfactory nerve mechanical stimulation was associated with an improvement in olfactory scores. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR; ACTRN12625001131448).