Which of the following is an iatrogenic cause of altered olfaction?

Which of the following is an iatrogenic cause of altered olfaction?

• A. Laryngectomy
• B. Diabetes Mellitus
• C. Parkinson's disease
• D. Alzheimer's disease

Answer: (A)

An iatrogenic cause refers to an effect or condition that arises as a result of medical treatment or intervention. In this context, a laryngectomy involves the surgical removal of the larynx, which is often performed to treat conditions such as laryngeal cancer. This procedure can significantly alter a person's sense of smell due to changes in airflow and the disruption of sensory pathways. The other conditions listed—Diabetes Mellitus, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease—are primarily non-iatrogenic causes of altered olfaction. While these diseases can lead to changes in olfactory function, they do not result from direct medical interventions or treatments. Instead, these conditions typically involve a range of systemic or neurodegenerative changes that impact the olfactory system indirectly. In contrast, the specific surgical intervention involved in a laryngectomy directly leads to alterations in how the olfactory system functions, making it the only option that qualifies as an iatrogenic cause.

An iatrogenic cause refers to an effect or condition that arises as a result of medical treatment or intervention. In this context, a laryngectomy involves the surgical removal of the larynx, which is often performed to treat conditions such as laryngeal cancer. This procedure can significantly alter a person's sense of smell due to changes in airflow and the disruption of sensory pathways.

The other conditions listed—Diabetes Mellitus, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease—are primarily non-iatrogenic causes of altered olfaction. While these diseases can lead to changes in olfactory function, they do not result from direct medical interventions or treatments. Instead, these conditions typically involve a range of systemic or neurodegenerative changes that impact the olfactory system indirectly. In contrast, the specific surgical intervention involved in a laryngectomy directly leads to alterations in how the olfactory system functions, making it the only option that qualifies as an iatrogenic cause.