What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Disorder?
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a syndrome in which multiple symptoms reportedly occur with low-level chemical exposure. Several theories have been advanced to explain the cause of MCS, including allergy, toxic effects and neurobiologic sensitization.
How do you treat chemical sensitivity?
There are no reliable tests to diagnose multiple chemical sensitivity, and there are no effective or proven treatments. Some doctors prescribe antidepressants, including “SSRIs” (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), and paroxetine (Paxil).
Is multiple chemical sensitivity a mental illness?
Multiple chemical sensitivity was associated with major depressive disorder and severe distress in both males and females. Multiple chemical sensitivity was associated with generalized anxiety disorder in males, but not females.
What does chemically sensitive mean?
People with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) have allergy-like reactions to low doses of common substances, such as chemicals found in carpeting, perfumes, and plastics. 1 Symptoms may include skin, hearing, and breathing issues; pain in the head, muscles, or joints; nausea, fatigue, or immune challenges.2.
Is MCS an autoimmune disease?
MCS was originally promoted as a type of allergy, and later as a type of non-allergic immunological disorder. However, these ideas have largely been rejected. Unlike people with allergic disorders, autoimmune diseases, or immunodeficiences, people with MCS have no objective immunological abnormalities.
What kind of doctors treat multiple chemical sensitivity?
A medical specialty known as clinical ecology has developed, in which doctors (primarily allergists) diagnose and treat this syndrome.
What type of doctor treats chemical sensitivity?
What are the symptoms of a chemical allergy?
Each person may have different chemical allergy symptoms….Symptoms
- Red skin.
- Scaly patches.
- Blisters that ooze.
- Burning or itching, which may be intense.
- Swelling of the eyes, face, and genital area.
- Hives.
- Sun sensitivity.
- Darkened, “leathery,” and cracked skin.
Why are some people more sensitive to chemicals?
People can become sensitive to chemicals after a major chemical exposure or after long-term, low-level exposure to chemicals, e.g. pesticides. Chemical sensitivity can also occur after a virus or other illness, or with hormonal disturbances, e.g. during or after pregnancy. Some people are genetically susceptible.
What are the symptoms of chemical sensitivity?
What are the symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity?
- Headaches.
- Rashes.
- Asthma.
- Muscle and joint aches.
- Fatigue.
- Memory loss.
- Confusion.
Is MCS a disability?
Both MCS and EI are very real conditions, even though many medical doctors are not yet trained to identify this disability. The Social Security Administration and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recognize MCS as a disabling condition, as do numerous other government agencies and judicial bodies.
How do you get rid of a chemical allergy?
Treating allergic reactions
- Antihistamines. Antihistamines can help to treat most minor allergic reactions regardless of the cause.
- Nasal decongestants.
- Anti-inflammatory medication.
- Avoid the allergen.
- Use a saline sinus rinse.
- Treating environmental allergies.
- Treating allergies on the skin.
- Treating severe allergies.
Is it possible to have multiple chemical sensitivity?
While others in the medical community along with organizations agree that multiple chemical sensitivity is a negative physical reaction to certain chemicals. There is debate as to whether multiple chemical sensitivity should be classified and diagnosed as an illness.
Who is the founder of multiple chemical sensitivity?
MICHAEL K. MAGILL, M.D., and ANTHONY SURUDA, M.D., M.P.H., University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah Am Fam Physician. 1998 Sep 1;58 (3):721-728. Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a syndrome in which multiple symptoms reportedly occur with low-level chemical exposure.
What causes multiple chemical sensitivity ( MCS ) syndrome?
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) has been described under various names since the 1940s. 1, 2 MCS syndrome is characterized by the patient’s belief that his or her symptoms are caused by very low-level exposure to environmental chemicals.
What can I do about my Chemical Sensitivity?
Other people find that medicines for anxiety and sleep help. It may also help to treat specific symptoms, such as headaches. People often find solutions on their own. Some learn from experience that certain foods or chemicals seem to make their symptoms worse. Avoiding those things may help.