Multiple chemical sensitivity symptoms

In many cases, multiple chemical sensitivity symptoms result from classical conditioning. An initial exposure causes emotional reactions during or after the exposure odor acts as a future trigger or conditioned stimulus for symptoms. Symptoms result from autonomic hyperactivity from fear of exposure (Amundsen et al. 1996 Bolla-Wilson et al. 1988 Schottenfeld 1987 Shusterman and Dager 1991). 

MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY An acquired disorder characterized by recurrent symptoms, referable to multiple organ systems, occurring in response to many chemically-unrelated compounds at doses far below those established in the general population to cause harmful effects. No single widely accepted test of physiologic function can be shown to coiTelate with symptoms. 

Multiple chemical sensitivity has shaped Jill s life, but is not a significant part of her self-image. Although the symptoms she experiences from chemical exposures can be debilitating, she does not think of herself as handicapped or sick, nor does she seek out friendship or support from others with MCS. 

Scientists acknowledge that many substances contain chemicals known to be toxic in high concentrations. To chemically sensitive people, these and other substances can be harmful even in minute amounts. A whiff of hair spray, fresh paint or bug spray, for example, can be debilitating to a person with multiple chemical sensitivities. People with MCS must avoid chemical exposures or symptoms will persist or worsen and the illness will progress. 

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is characterized by a variety of adverse effects upon multiple organs that result from exposure to levels of common foods, drugs, and chemicals that do not affect most people. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, lack of concentration, memory loss, asthma, and other often subjective responses following exposure. MCS has remained controversial because standard medical evaluations, such as blood biochemical screens, have failed to identify consistent physical or laboratory test abnormalities that would account for the symptoms. 

The most commonly accepted definition of MCS was written by Mark Cullen, M.D., a professor of medicine and epidemiology at Yale University. In Workers With Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Occupational Medicine 2 (1987) 655-626, he writes, Multiple chemical sensitivities is an acquired disorder characterized by recurrent symptoms, referable to multiple organ systems, occurring in response to demonstrable exposure to many chemically unrelated compounds at doses far below those established in the general population to cause harmful elfects. No single widely accepted test of physiologic function can be shown to correlate with symptoms. ... 

I didn t put any of this together until a friend came over and told me my gas stove made her sick. She said she was chemically sensitive. Her symptoms sounded so much like mine that I went to her doctor, a clinical ecologist. Test results showed I had abnormal levels of chemical substances in my blood. Somehow these chemicals got inside me and were now affecting my immune system. That s when I was told I had Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and now, like so many others, my lifestyle was to completely change. Thus began my long journey. 

Symptom Profile of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Actual Life... 

Saito, M., et al. Symptom Profile of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Actual Life, Psychosomatic Medicine March—April 2005 67(2) 318-325. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/15784800 dopt=Abstract. 

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) or multiple chemical intolerance (MCI) is a term used to describe a variety of symptoms associated, in some cases, with exposure to indoor air contaminants. Individuals with this syndrome seem to respond to very low levels of chemicals, and the condition can involve various organ systems. It appears to be induced by a wide variety of agents, but once induced it can be triggered by low-concentration exposures to numerous other chemicals. Indoor air pollutants not only appear to set off symptoms in the chemically intolerant, but several studies suggest that some pollutants or pollutant mixtures may also initiate the condition. This phenomenon has been described in... 

Patients allegedly suffering from multiple chemical sensitivities complain of depression, excessive fatigue, sleep disorders, irritability, headaches, and symptoms, such as rhinitis, similar to those associated with allergies. Although immune system disorders are hypothesized as the most frequent underlying cause. 

As can be seen from this list of symptoms, many are emblematic of multiple chemical sensitivity and chronic fatigue syndrome. This crossover of symptoms often complicates the diagnosis of FM. Mechanistically, oxidative stress and nitric oxide are believed to play a role in FM pathophysiology however, it is not clear at this time whether the oxidative stress abnormalities found in FM are the cause or the effect J46 59 ... 

Jason LA, Taylor RR, Kennedy CL. Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivities in a community-based sample from persons with chronic fatigue-like symptoms. Psychosomatic Med2000 62 655-63. 

Black D, Doebbeling B, Voelker M et al. (2000). Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome symptom prevalence and risk factors in a military population. Arch Inter Med, 160, 1169-1176. 

The multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) syndrome is a term that has been used to describe a constellation of non-specific systemic symptoms occurring after exposure to a wide variety of irritating agents. Patients present with headaches, food intolerance, fatigue, lack of concentration and depression which they attribute to their work environments. These symptoms subside... 

TABLE 18-3. Most frequent symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivities... 

Guglielmi RS, Cox D], Spyker DA Behavioral treatment of phobic avoidance in multiple chemical sensitivity. ] Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 25 197-209, 1994 Gupta K, Horne R The influence of health beliefs on the presentation and consultation outcome in patients with chemical sensitivities. J Psychosom Res 50 131-137,2001 Haller E Successful management of patients with multiple chemical sensitivities on an inpatient psychiatric unit. ] Clin Psychiatry 54 196-199, 1993 Jason LA, Taylor RR, Kennedy CL Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and multiple chemical sensitivities in a community-based sample of persons with chronic fatigue syndrome-like symptoms. Psychosom Med 62 655-663, 2000 Kaplan BJ, McNicol J, Conte RA, et al Dietary replacement in preschool-aged hyperactive boys. Pediatrics 83 7-17, 1989... 

Kreutzer R, Neutra RR, Lashuay N Prevalence of people reporting sensitivities to chemicals in a population-based survey. Am J Epidemiol 150 1-12,1999 Kurt TL Multiple chemical sensitivities—a syndrome of pseudotoxicity manifest as exposure perceived symptoms. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 33 101-105, 1995 Kutsogiannis DJ, Davidoff AL A multiple center study of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. Arch Environ Health 56 196-207, 2001 Lax MB, Henneberger PK Patients with multiple chemical sensitivities in an occupational health clinic presentation and follow-up. Arch Environ Health 50 425-431, 1995... 

Seltzer JM Building-related illnesses. J Allergy Clin Immunol 94 351-362,1994 Shusterman DJ, Dager SR Prevention of psychological disability after occupational respiratory exposures. Occup Med 6 11-27, 1991 Simon GE Psychiatric symptoms in multiple chemical sensitivity. Toxicol Ind Health 10 487-496, 1994... 

The term functional somatic syndrome" Barsky and Borus explain, refers to several related syndromes that are characterized more by symptoms, suffering, and disability than by disease-specific, demonstrable abnormalities of structure and function. What are some functional somatic syndromes Multiple chemical sensitivity, chronic whiplash, the side effects of silicone... 

Neuro-psychological and neuro-behavioral symptoms (e.g., subjective symptoms, multiple chemical sensitivity - MCS)... 

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