[Detection of disorders of the chemical senses-assessment of state of health by those affected].

Although hundreds of thousands of people seek medical help every year because of smell and taste disorders, the burden on patients is often underestimated by health care professionals. Numerous studies have demonstrated the impact of disorders of the chemical senses on quality of life. In clinical practice, the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD) has proven to be a good measure of the impact of olfactory loss on everyday life. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) should therefore be used more frequently for better recording and assessing the needs of patients. In addition to education and treatment by specialized clinics, the provision and optimization of information platforms, support groups, and organizations should be promoted in Germany.