Does odor and taste identification change during hyperemesis gravidarum?

• Main Authors: Mehmet Yasar, Mustafa Sagit, Semih Zeki Uludag, Ibrahim Ozcan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton 2016-02-01
• Series: Medicinski Glasnik
• Subjects: pregnancy; smell; sense of smell
• Online Access: http://www.ljkzedo.ba/sites/default/files/Glasnik/MG24/05%20Yasar%20833%20A.pdf

Aim To investigate a difference in odor and taste identification among pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum, those with healthy pregnancy and non-pregnant women. Methods This prospective, controlled study included 33 pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum, 33 healthy pregnant and 26 non-pregnant women. For all participants, rhinological examinations were performed. Odor and taste identification were performed by holding Sniffin Sticks test battery (Burghart, Wedel, Germany) in all participants. Results There was a statistically significant difference in results of odor identification tests among the groups (p=0.031). Rose odor was selected as the most pleasant odor by the hyperemesis gravidarum group, 32 (96.9%). Orange odor was selected as the most pleasant odor by the healthy pregnant women, 33 (100%) whereas the banana odor was selected as the most pleasant odor by the healthy non-pregnant women, 10 (38.4%). In taste identification tests, there was a significant difference in total taste scores among the groups (p=0.003). Conclusion It is obvious that there is a need to evaluate odor thresholds and other parameters by detailed studies on odor perception in the context of hyperemesis gravidarum.