Nasal health in Down syndrome: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To investigate peripheral nasal pathology as a contributor to olfactory impairment in DS. Study Design: Twenty DS and 16 non-DS subjects were recruited. Nasal history and symptoms were assessed by self-report or informant. olfactory threshold, odor identification, and nasal endoscopy were assessed on each subject. Results: DS subjects were impaired on olfactory threshold (P<0.0001) and odor identification (P<0.001). Although DS subjects trended toward upper-respiratory infections, sleep-disordered breathing, and nasal itching, differences were not significant (P=0.07, 0.06, and 0.058, respectively). There were no significant differences on self-reported nasal history or symptoms. Endoscopy showed equivalent health in DS and control subjects. Conclusion: This DS Population shows olfactory impairment. However, nasal health is comparable in DS subjects and controls. Nasal dysfunction is unlikely to contribute to olfactory impairment in DS. Significance: olfactory deficits in DS appear to be secondary to central, rather than rhinologic, pathology.