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.
    • Eye burning
    • Chronic rhinitis
    • Hoarseness
    • Respiratory infections and coughs such as bronchitis
    • Worsening of pre-existing respiratory conditions such as bronchial asthma
    • Allergic reactions
    • Dry skin
    • Itching
    • Headache
    • Fatigue
    • Weakened immune system with frequent infectious diseases
    • Reduction in performance
    • Concentration disorders
    • Dizziness
    • Nausea
    • Sensory disturbances in the extremities
    • Vague pain
  • When and in what setting do these symptoms occur?
  • How long have you lived/worked in this building?
  • Do you ventilate regularly?
  • Do you live near gas stations and small businesses?
  • Do you heat excessively?
  • Are you exposed to excessive noise?
  • Are you exposed to strong odors?
  • Do you suspect which substance triggers your symptoms?

Vegetative anamnesis incl. nutritional anamnesis.

Self anamnesis incl. medication anamnesis

  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Operations
  • Allergies
  • Medication history

Environmental history

Indoor pollutants contained in:

  • Floor coverings
  • Insulation materials
  • Damping
  • Sealants
  • Printers
  • Electrical appliances
  • Colors
  • Humidity
  • Wood preservative coatings
  • Hydrophobic measures
  • Air conditioning systems
  • Varnishes
  • Furniture
  • Pest control products (insecticides against insects; acaricides against mites and other arachnids; rodenticides against rodents; larvicides against the larvae of insects and mites).
  • Molds – mycotoxins (mycophenolic acid, sterigmatocystin, trichothecenes) from molds that spread on wallpaper in buildings and are detectable in the air we breathe:
    • Aspergillus versicolor (most common indoor mold).
    • Penicillium brevicompactum
    • Stachybotrys chartarum
  • Putties
  • Dusting
  • Carpeting
  • Carpet adhesives