Sick Building Syndrome

Sick Building Syndrome: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of sick building syndrome. Family history Social history Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). What are your presenting symptoms? Irritation of the mucous membrane in the nasopharynx. … Sick Building Syndrome: Medical History

Sick Building Syndrome: Examination

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; xeroderma (dry skin); pruritus (itching); exanthema (rash)] Nasopharynx (nasopharynx) [mucosal irritation; rhinitis (cold)] Extremities [sensory disturbances] Auscultation (listening) of the heart Auscultation … Sick Building Syndrome: Examination

Sick Building Syndrome: Test and Diagnosis

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). Allergy tests Environmental analysis Central substances are lindane and pentachlorophenol (PCP). PCP is a substance that is … Sick Building Syndrome: Test and Diagnosis

Sick Building Syndrome: Diagnostic Tests

Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. ECG (electrocardiogram) – indicates the conduction of excitation of the heart. Echocardiography – ultrasound examination of the heart. Computed tomography (CT) – sectional imaging procedure (X-ray images taken from … Sick Building Syndrome: Diagnostic Tests

Sick Building Syndrome: Prevention

To prevent sick building syndrome, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Psychosocial situation Stress – psychological and social stress at work. Lighting Odor loads Noise Humidity Overheated rooms Insufficient ventilation of indoor spaces Residential proximity to gas stations and small businesses Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings). Indoor pollutants contained … Sick Building Syndrome: Prevention

Sick Building Syndrome: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate sick building syndrome: Mucosal irritation in the nasopharynx (nasopharynx). Eye burning Rhinitis (cold) Hoarseness Respiratory infections and cough such as bronchitis – inflammation of the bronchi. Worsening of pre-existing respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma. Allergic reactions Xeroderma (dry skin) Pruritus (itching) Exanthem (rash) Headache Fatigue Weakened immune … Sick Building Syndrome: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Sick Building Syndrome: Causes

Pathogenesis (disease development) Sick building syndrome (SBS) is observed in many newly occupied buildings. In this case, mucosal irritation usually occurs as a result of the various agents of exposure described below (emissions from building products or furnishings, e.g., volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, fibers). This reaction is basically normal. However, in SBS, according to … Sick Building Syndrome: Causes

Sick Building Syndrome: Therapy

General measures Avoidance of psychosocial stress: Stress Avoidance of: Odor pollution Noise Overheated rooms Insufficient ventilation of indoor spaces Avoidance of indoor pollutants: Floor coverings Insulation materials Damping Sealants Printer Electrical appliances Colors Humidity Toxic substances in furniture Wood preservative coatings Hydrophobic measures Air conditioning systems Varnishes Pesticides (insecticides against insects; acaricides against mites and … Sick Building Syndrome: Therapy