Presentation
Although MCS cannot be medically cured given the present state of knowledge, it has been shown that the condition can be prevented from becoming disabling by means of early exposure. [europarl.europa.eu]
The first will be milder forms of symptoms which are present in ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia. [guptaprogram.com]
Although comorbidity is often associated with depression, at present most studies do not consider multiple chemical sensitivity as a psychiatric illness. [elsevier.es]
They are the participants of the present study. In the 2002 questionnaire Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale [15] and QEESI's Chemical Intolerance Subscale [25] were used. [noiseandhealth.org]
She is the author of numerous journal articles and regularly presents papers on MCS and environmental health topics. Be the first video Your name here [amazon.com]
Entire Body System
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Ross S, Fantie B, Straus SF, Grafman J (2001), Divided attention deficits in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Appl Neuropsychol 8(1):4-11. 38. [psychiatrictimes.com]
[…] cause, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and Gulf War syndrome. [en.wikipedia.org]
A 2010 report by the Environmental Health Clinic at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto found that 70 percent of patients with MCS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome or a combination thereof had stopped working. [healthydebate.ca]
1 Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Illness Experiences. ( 30917692 ) 2019 2 Contact allergy to metals and multiple chemical sensitivity. ( 30843222 ) Pigatto PD...Guzzi G 2019 3 Contact allergy to metals and " [malacards.org]
It mirrored the findings of a 2011 report by the Queensland Department of Health, Australia, which said that conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome have comparable symptoms to MCS. [newsweek.com]
- Inflammation
Key Words: Neurogenic inflammation—Respiratory irritants—Chemical sensitivity—Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome—Allergy. [liebertpub.com]
Bascom, R., et al. “ Neurogenic inflammation: with additional discussion of central and perceptual integration of nonneurogenic inflammation. ” Environ Health Perspect, 1997, 105 Suppl 2 : 531-537. Miller, C. [emerge.org.au]
Bascom R, Meggs WJ, Frampton M et al. (1997), Neurogenic inflammation: with additional discussion of central and perceptual integration of nonneurogenic inflammation. Environ Health Perspect 105(suppl 2):531-537. 4. [psychiatrictimes.com]
Symptoms are often vague and non-specific and may include nausea, fatigue, dizziness and headaches and specifically: inflammation of skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract and airways. [adcet.edu.au]
This in turn causes cellular inflammation, which in turn degrades immune system roots that in turn cause the many and apparently unrelated MCS symptoms. [bcn.boulder.co.us]
- Plethora
Bonni Southey Fantastic, that the huge problems with the plethora of UNTESTED chemicals are coming to the general attention of folk. Sad that it has to be at the expense of good health. [bbc.co.uk]
Once sensitised, low-level exposure to a plethora of substances may trigger symptoms. Altered xenobiotic metabolism: This theory is based on genetic differences in the metabolism of chemicals. [emerge.org.au]
- Underweight
I had been unable to work for two years, was underweight and only able to stay out of bed for a few hours at a time. Exposure to cleaning products and perfumes led to nosebleeds. [burghwoodclinic.co.uk]
Respiratoric
- Hoarseness
If worker have the following sorts of symptoms that get better after they go home or on the weekend, they may be experiencing the early signs of multiple chemical sensitivity: Burning eyes, nose Cough, sore throat Difficulty breathing Hoarseness Sinus [ohsrep.org.au]
[…] arthritic pain in joint/s, stiffness, muscle pain, muscular exercise intolerance; sinus problems, hay fever; acne, hives, rash, bruising easily, hair loss, flushing, hot flashes, excessive sweating; anaphylaxis, asthma, chronic cough, gagging, sore throat, hoarseness [emerge.org.au]
General malaise and weakness, fatigue, headaches, irritability, depression, memory problems, itching, numbness, "creepy and crawly" sensations, burning sensations in the nose, sore throat, hoarseness, shortness of breath, cough, abdominal distress, are [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Skin
- Dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis 6(4):255-9, Jun., 1980. 126. Rudzki, Mapiorkowska, Dermatitis caused by the Polish fungicide Sadoplon 75. Contact Dermatitis 6(4):300-1, Jun, 1980. 127. Weinstein, L.H., Fellner, M.J.: Rubber band dermatitis. [nap.edu]
The listings that related to MCS include: Listing 3.03 – Asthma Listing 8.05 – Dermatitis Listing 3.02 – Chronic pulmonary insufficiency Listing 4.05 – Recurrent arrhythmias Listing 2.07 – Disturbance of labyrinthine-vestibular function ( vertigo ) Listing [disabilitysecrets.com]
Example: contact dermatitis can start affecting a person's hands after years of safely using washing up liquid; clerical staff can become unwell when close to photocopiers; ordinary people can become hypersensitive to other people's perfumes, hair sprays [burghwoodclinic.co.uk]
Hojo et al. [ 50 ] reported that of the prevalent allergic diseases among patients with MCS in Japan, bronchial asthma (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] of the new survey against the old survey: 5.19), atopic dermatitis (AOR: 3.77), allergic rhinitis (AOR: 5.34 [journals.plos.org]
Dr Andy Jones, lecturer in Environmental Sciences "I was just told it's a contact dermatitis - a professional hazard because I wear rubber gloves and wash my hands a lot at work," says Melanie. [bbc.co.uk]
- Eczema
Symptoms may include: headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, breathing difficulties, tightening of the throat, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, learning disorders, eczema, arthritis-like sensations, and muscle pain. [askjan.org]
However, MCS’s symptoms can often elevate to new and more disabling symptoms, including: asthma and other breathing problems nausea extreme fatigue headache or migraine vertigo/dizziness sinus problems rash on the skin, itchy skin, or eczema sensitivity [disabilitysecrets.com]
It is a difficult condition to diagnose, treat, and manage, and is far less well understood than asthma, eczema, or rhinitis. [allergycosmos.co.uk]
Allergy included asthma, allergic rhinitis, and / or allergic eczema. [noiseandhealth.org]
Skin Eczema, Flushing, Hives, Itching, Rashes, Sensitivity to Touch. Musculoskeletal Backaches, Fibromyalgia, Joint Pain, Muscle Spasms, Poor Coordination/Clumsiness, Swollen Limbs. [bcn.boulder.co.us]
Psychiatrical
- Anxiety Disorder
generalized anxiety disorder, or panic disorder; and deployment to the Persian Gulf. [jamanetwork.com]
or anxiety disorders. [6] Signs and symptoms [ edit ] Symptoms range in severity from mild to disabling. [en.wikipedia.org]
The following disorders may either co-exist with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or present with similar symptoms to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Depression Panic and other types of anxiety disorder Chronic fatigue syndrome Fibromyalgia Systemic lupus [allergycosmos.co.uk]
disorders among them are depressive, [31] affective, and anxiety disorders. [32] MCS patients have rated the earlier decades of their lives as more stressful than the controls [33] and noise sensitivity has also been associated with stress. [9] It has [noiseandhealth.org]
Neurologic
- Dizziness
The study found that, when exposed to problematic sources, people with MCS experience a range of adverse health effects, from migraines and dizziness to breathing difficulties and heart problems. [sciencedaily.com]
This caused a burning sensation on the tongue, dizziness, vertigo, lack of concentration, impaired speech and sudden tiredness. I was like a poison barometer. If we didn’t withdraw from the poison in time, we were really sick the next day. [bruno-groening.org]
Symptoms can range from headaches, dizziness and nausea to seizures and anaphylaxis. The biological mechanisms which cause the chemical sensitivities remains uncertain, making diagnosis and treatment difficult. [abc.net.au]
They include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, congestion, itching, sneezing, sore throat, chest pain, changes in heart rhythm, breathing problems, muscle pain or stiffness, skin rash, diarrhea, bloating, gas, confusion, trouble concentrating, memory [webmd.com]
- Confusion
As for mental abilities,memory loss and confusion could cause significant difficulties for those with MCS in being able to understand and remember tasks enough to complete them. [disabilitysecrets.com]
Symptoms may include: Headaches Rashes Asthma Muscle and joint aches Fatigue Memory loss Confusion Is this a recognized clinical diagnosis? At this time, it is a controversial issue as to whether it is a clinical diagnosis or not. [hopkinsmedicine.org]
Occasional exposure to these chemicals is unlikely to cause major symptoms of toxicity e.g. breathing problems, lethargy, generalised muscle aching, confusion or collapse but could do if the exposure is heavy and prolonged. [burghwoodclinic.co.uk]
- Vertigo
For those with MCS, the ability to do any type of physical activities (even non-strenuous activities) may be limited by breathing problems, vertigo, loss of feeling in your fingers, extreme fatigue, and muscle weakness. [disabilitysecrets.com]
This caused a burning sensation on the tongue, dizziness, vertigo, lack of concentration, impaired speech and sudden tiredness. I was like a poison barometer. If we didn’t withdraw from the poison in time, we were really sick the next day. [bruno-groening.org]
[…] tendonitis, seizures, visual disturbances (blurring, halo effect, inability to focus), anxiety, panic, anger, sleep disturbance, suppression of immune system, digestive difficulties, nausea, indigestion / heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pains, vertigo [en.wikipedia.org]
- Agitation
Into adulthood, these symptoms became more frequent and manifestations expanded to include episodic vision and hearing loss, inexplicable rashes, memory impairment, ataxia, profound agitation, and eventual blackouts. [sciencebasedmedicine.org]
Workup
If a comprehensive workup on an ill patient reveals nothing conclusive, patients and their health care providers are equally puzzled and frustrated. [sciencebasedmedicine.org]
[D]efinition of the phenomenon is elusive and its pathogenesis as a distinct entity is not confirmed....The current consensus is that in cases of claimed or suspected MCS, complaints should not be dismissed as psychogenic, and a thorough workup is essential [en.wikipedia.org]
Treatment
Science-based treatments are limited. [sciencebasedmedicine.org]
Diagnosis and Treatment There are no reliable tests to diagnose multiple chemical sensitivity, and there are no effective or proven treatments. [webmd.com]
Treatment should include cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT), with training in relaxation techniques. [uspharmacist.com]
This uncertainty has hampered the development of a clinical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with MCS. [health.nsw.gov.au]
Often patients seek help from multiple health care providers who suggest psychiatric etiologies or treatment, obtain toxicologic or immunologic test batteries, or initiate a variety of empirical treatments. [accessmedicine.mhmedical.com]
Prognosis
What is the prognosis? Many people can become free of symptoms by avoiding chemicals they are sensitive to. A few people make a full recovery and are no longer affected by low levels of chemicals. [qldallergy.com]
What is the prognosis in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity? top of page ^ Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is generally regarded as a chronic illness. [allergycosmos.co.uk]
Etiology
Some controversy continues to surround the etiology, case definition, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). [accessmedicine.mhmedical.com]
Likewise, the term “Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance” (IEI), coined during a 1993 Berlin workshop, has been used in media, courtrooms, and scientific papers to mean “self-originated,” rather than “being of unknown etiology”— the usual definition of [tiltresearch.org]
Etiology is also hotly debated. No standard of care exists for diagnosis and management. Unconventional, costly treatments exist with unproven efficacy. Average patient with MCS has seen 8-12 clinicians and reports only 1in 4 to be helpful. [fammed.wisc.edu]
Topics that have been debated include: whether MCS is a distinct disease entity, its etiology (or etiologies), its pathophysiology, how to define the condition, how it should be treated, and how it should be approached in the legal and legislative arenas [health.gov]
MCS, in particular, has been the subject of heated debate regarding etiology, with some exploring psychogenic pathways. [dovepress.com]
Epidemiology
Review of the State of the Art in Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Future Perspectives. ( 29851737 ) Rossi S 2018 11 Survey on changes in subjective symptoms, onset/trigger factors, allergic diseases, and chemical exposures in the past decade of Japanese [malacards.org]
To guide the clinical evaluation of individuals with this disorder or to respond to requests for epidemiologic investigation, the health care practitioner should be aware of current controversies, including knowledge gaps and the need for further research [accessmedicine.mhmedical.com]
The Predecisional Draft document generated by the workgroup in 1998 recommended additional research in the basic epidemiology of MCS, the performance of case-comparison and challenge studies, and the development of a case definition for MCS. [en.wikipedia.org]
Centre for Epidemiology and Research, NSW Department of Health. [qldallergy.com]
Other subjects can be chosen from along the continuum for a comparison group (see Section II, Epidemiologic Considerations). Top of Page. [health.gov]
Pathophysiology
Neurogenic inflammation is a well-defined pathophysiological process in which chemical irritants trigger nerve fibers to release inflammatory mediators that lead to disease. [liebertpub.com]
Despite extensive research over the past 50 years, there is little understanding of the causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of MCS/IEI. [sahealth.sa.gov.au]
Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Denmark 7 Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden Correspondence to Dr Thomas M Dantoft; thomas.meinertz.dantoft{at}regionh.dk Abstract Objectives To investigate the pathophysiological [bmjopen.bmj.com]
Topics that have been debated include: whether MCS is a distinct disease entity, its etiology (or etiologies), its pathophysiology, how to define the condition, how it should be treated, and how it should be approached in the legal and legislative arenas [health.gov]
The pathophysiology is unknown, and affected individuals generally favor avoidance of the symptom triggering substances as a coping strategy. The impact of MCS on daily life may thus be severe. [trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com]
Prevention
Although MCS cannot be medically cured given the present state of knowledge, it has been shown that the condition can be prevented from becoming disabling by means of early exposure. [europarl.europa.eu]
For example, certain chemicals found in the paint that was used to paint an office may set off a reaction that prevents the individual from being able to work. [disabilitysecrets.com]
What are the measures to prevent MCS? Measures to prevent, or minimise, the problems of multiple chemical sensitivity include: Better general ventilation. [ohsrep.org.au]
I didn’t suspect that the toxic substances the preservative contained to prevent and kill insects and fungi could also mean a death sentence for us. [bruno-groening.org]
Preventive Medicine. 28 (5): 467–480. doi : 10.1006/pmed.1998.0469. PMID 10329337. ^ Graveling RA, Pilkington A, George JP, Butler MP, Tannahill SN (1999). "A review of multiple chemical sensitivity". [en.wikipedia.org]