Poor olfaction is associated with lower pulmonary function in older adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Olfaction may be associated with lung health due to the anatomical and functional connections between the upper and lower airways, but empirical evidence is lacking.

Research question

Is poor olfaction associated with lower pulmonary function in older adults?

Study design and methods

This study included 1951 participants from the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study who completed the 12-item Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT) in clinical visit Year 3 (1999-2000) and at least one valid spirometry test in the Year 5, 8, or 10 clinical visits. Their average age at the baseline spirometry test was 74.4 ± 2.8 years. Olfaction was categorized as good (B-SIT score 11-12), moderate (9-10), or poor (0-8). We used multivariable joint models to assess the ass

SUBMITTER: Ding G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12507451 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature