Positive Health Online

Abstract

ROSS, Environmental Health Center, Dallas, Texas 75231 USA jross@ehcd.com illustrates several characteristic feature of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) with a case history.

Background

Methodology

This case study concerns the induction of asthma and chemical sensitivity in a 42-year old registered nurse, whose problems started after moving into a new home under construction, with associated chemical exposures.

Results

MCS patients often report the onset of their condition with chemical exposures such as those encountered at their work places or following the use of pesticides at their homes . Patients describe a spreading phenomenon of increasing intolerance to commonly encountered chemicals at concentrations tolerated by other people. Symptoms often wax and wane and are more likely to occur in individuals or families with history of migraine or classical allergies . Idiosyncratic drug reactions are common, as are symptoms such as vascular instability and poor temperature regulation. Also common are myalgia, joint pains and food intolerance . When tested these patients are found to have contamination with xenobiotic chemicals . A recently identified condition which exhibits features of both asthma and chemical sensitivity is reactive airways dysfunction syndrome. MCS patients often show patterns of neurotoxic brain metabolism which can be confirmed using single photo emission computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Conclusion

References

Ross GH. Clinical characteristics of chemical sensitivity: An illustrative case history of asthma and MCS. Environ Health Perspect. 105 (Suppl 2): 437-41. Mar 1997 .

Comment

Asthma and allergies are extremely prevalent and appear to becoming even more so. Sources of exposure can be found everywhere foods eaten, environmental chemicals - in addition to inherited allergic conditions. Approaches to treating allergies are numerous, embracing all the major complementary therapies. The above research studies illustrate the magnitude of effort being devoted to treating such chronic and distressing conditions which afflict so many peoples lives.