There are not that many people who have never heard of multiple chemical sensitivity. It is important that people get to know that many things are known to cause the symptoms of this condition. People should also know that this condition is not all that clear and well understood because the experts are still unsure about some facts considering the condition.
Definition of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
A person who is diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity is considered to be extremely sensitive to various kinds of pollutants and thus he or she is always experiencing an allergy-like reaction when he or she gets in contact with the pollutants. Some of the most common pollutants are solvents, Volatile Organic Compounds, perfumes, petrol, diesel, smoke and various other chemicals. In addition to this, it is not uncommon for people who are diagnosed with the condition to experience problems whenever they get in contact with pollen, dust mites and even pet fur and dander.
People should not mistake multiple chemical sensitivity with real allergies. The main reason why that is so is because allergies have a well known underlying mechanism that causes the problems, while on the other hand, the situation with multiple chemical sensitivity is not that clear and even the processes of the condition are still not full and properly understood.
Another problem that the doctors are facing is the fact that almost every patient with multiple chemical sensitivity does not suffer from the same symptoms and that makes the situation even harder when the patient needs to be treated with conventional medicine and practices. This is why the best possible treatment that works for every patient with this condition is to avoid the triggers.
When symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity are considered, people need to know that there are a lot of them. This is one of the main reasons why the doctors have so much trouble when diagnosing the condition as all the other possible conditions need to be ruled out first. Another problem is that not every patient will experience the same ones and they are quite different. An interesting thing is that a patient will not complain about just one symptom but of several different ones at the same time. Some of the most commonly seen symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity are burning and stinging eyes, nausea, wheezing, breathlessness, severe fatigue, dizziness, headache, vertigo, migraines, bad memory and concentration, runny nose, Sore throat and cough, problems with sinuses, itchy skin, problems with sleeping, light and noise sensitivity, digestive upset and pain of the muscles and joints.
Diagnosis of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
People should know that there are a lot of signs of multiple chemical sensitivity but it is quite common that a person constantly experiences the same ones. Before a person is diagnosed with MCS, the doctor will need to rule out all the other conditions which are connected with these signs that the patient is experiencing. It is not uncommon that a person suspects of multiple chemical sensitivity but is actually suffering from some other condition like true allergy, thyroid disorders, orthostatic syndromes, anxiety or depression. If that is the case, a person will need to treat these conditions first.
Probably the best way to determine if a person is suffering from MCS is to use the “gold standard” procedure. This procedure means that a person will be introduced with random chemicals which he or she suspects of being the ones that are causing the symptoms to occur. Some of the most commonly used are scented soaps and dryer sheets. A person will not know when the chemicals and controls will be introduced as it is better that there is no pattern and it is done randomly. When they are given, the patient will be measured for his or her responses. Both objective and subjective responses will be measured. Certain objective measures like galvanic skin response or electrodermal response point to psychological arousal like fear, anxiety and anger. On the other hand, subjective responses include the self-reports of the patient. Treatment for multiple chemical sensitivity
When treatment is considered, it is important that the already existing conditions are treated first. Almost 50% of all patients with the signs of multiple chemical sensitivity are eligible for the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders. There was a case when an elderly man who was diagnosed with MCS was given antidepressants and showed excellent improvement. Psychotherapy is also an important part of the treatment process of multiple chemical sensitivity.
Introducing certain lifestyle changes is considered to be very helpful for people who are diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity. People who are diagnosed with MCS need to live in a space where there are not chemicals. It is also very important that these people avoid chemicals every way they can. Prayers and meditation seemed to help some people and doctors will recommend them to the patients with MCS.
A lot of people believe that Zoloft will help them if they suffer from MCS but the data claims that 65% of all the patients who used this medication claimed that it provided more harm than good.
Other possible treatment options include avoiding the things that provoke the symptoms and having a healthier diet. People need to consume those nutrients which will free the body of toxins.
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