Search

About half of the population aged over 60 years mention they have an olfactory dysfunction. However, the diagnosis is challenging since the identification of odors is personal and cultural, conditioning the selection of effective olfactory tests. This study aimed to identify typical odors recognized by the Portuguese population in order to develop and characterize a smell test kit adapted to this specific population to be used to diagnose olfactory dysfunctions. For this, a national cross‐sectional survey with 348 healthy participants, allowed the identification of 22 characteristic odors for Portuguese population. The orange odor was chosen by 56% of the individuals that answered the survey and this fragrance was selected for pre‐formulation studies. Then, polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐based formulations were developed and characterized. It was observed that the type and amount of PEG and fragrances influenced the rheology, morphology, texture and crystalline structures of the formulations. Based on the results obtained, structure characterization and sensorial analysis responses, compounding and processing, a formulation was selected. Then, the kit was assembled with 22 fragrance PEG‐based formulations and one odorless (control). Practical application: This study aimed to identify 22 odors among different categories recognizable by the Portuguese population in order to develop a suitable smell test kit to diagnose olfactory dysfunctions of this specific population. This Portuguese smell test, for containing formulations with rheological and sensory characteristics adapted to the Portuguese population, allows the physician to use it as a method of diagnosis in patients with suspected impaired olfactory perception, such as anosmia total or partial. Nowadays, this kit is being used in otorhinolaryngology medical consultation of the hospital involved in the study to diagnose olfactory disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]