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Clinical examination

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To test the sense of smell, first check that the nasal passages are clear by observing with a nasal speculum. Then, each nostril is tested in turn with a series of bottles containing familiar smells, e.g. oil of cloves, peppermint, coffee, etc. It is normal not to be able to name smells, but one smell can be distinguished from another.

Noxious smells, e.g. ammonia, should not be used because:

  • they are upsetting to the patient
  • noxious stimuli are detected by the sensory fibres of the fifth - trigeminal - nerve and not the olfactory nerve

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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