Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Family history Are there frequent unexplained symptoms in your family? Social history What is your profession? Are you exposed to harmful working substances in your profession? Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family … Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Medical History
General measures Develop a coping strategy, i.e., exposure prophylaxis (avoidance of the trigger)Note: This is not a permanent solution, as it risks social isolation. Deconditioning could be, if necessary, a gradual approach to the triggering substances, as far as fragrances and detergents. Excretion of toxins Setting up air purification equipment with HEPA and carbon filters. … Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Therapy
Pathogenesis (disease development) The exact pathophysiology of multiple chemical sensitivity is not yet known. Several studies are currently underway on this topic. There are several explanations to date, including theories of classical conditioning. Etiology (Causes) Behavioral causes Psycho-social situation Mental stress Stress Environmental stress – Intoxications (poisonings). Fragrances Solvents Formaldehyde Pesticides Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)Note: Polychlorinated … Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Causes
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be co-occurring with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS): Psyche – Nervous System (F00-F99; G00-G99). Anxiety Depression Social isolation
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, and eyes [burning eyes; skin problems]. Auscultation (listening) of the heart. Auscultation of the lungs [respiratory distress] Palpation (palpation) of the abdomen (abdomen) (tenderness?, knocking pain?, … Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the medical history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification Small blood count Differential blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Urine status (rapid test for: pH, leukocytes, nitrite, protein, glucose, ketone, urobilinogen, bilirubin, blood), sediment, if necessary … Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Test and Diagnosis
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnosticsand obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Electrocardiogram (ECG; recording of the electrical activity of the heart muscle) – to rule out heart disease/arrhythmias. Echocardiography (echo; cardiac ultrasound) – for suspected structural heart disease. Abdominal sonography (ultrasound … Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Diagnostic Tests
To prevent multiple chemical sensitivity, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Psychosocial situation Mental stress Stress Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings). Fragrances Solvents Formaldehyde Pesticides Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)Note: Polychlorinated biphenyls belong to the endocrine disruptors (synonym: xenohormones), which even in the smallest amounts can damage health by altering the … Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Breathing difficulties Eye burning Dry mouth Cardiovascular problems Headache Pain of the musculoskeletal system Fatigue, chronic fatigue Dizziness Impaired concentration and memory Skin problems (e.g., skin burning). Digestive problems Nausea Sleep disturbances Affected individuals react to environmental substances and chemicals (e.g. fragrances, cleaning agents and … Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
