Multiple chemical sensitivity and idiopathic environmental intolerance (part two)

Watanabe, Mitsuyasu; Tonori, Hideki; Aizawa, Yoshifusa

doi:10.1007/bf02908886

Cited by 9 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 112 publications

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the development of MCS/IEI, initial exposure to high concentration of culprit chemical is important but not crucial, and not all initial symptoms of MCS/IEI are related to high concentration chemical exposure. 5 , 6 Some possible mechanisms have been suggested for MCS/IEI development and propagation. Toxicant induced loss of tolerance theory explains that many different kinds of chemicals can be responsible for exacerbation of symptoms even if initial chemical exposures cause loss of tolerance.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Allergic Diseases and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Korean Adults

Jeong

Kim

Park

et al. 2014

Allergy Asthma Immunol Res

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PurposeMultiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a clinical syndrome representing multi-organ and psychological symptoms caused by chronic exposure to various chemicals in low concentrations. We evaluated the prevalence and related factors of MCS targeting Korean adults using the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI©).MethodsA total of 446 participants were recruited from Severance Hospital. Participants underwent a questionnaire interview including questions on sociodemographic factors, occupational and environmental factors, allergic diseases, and the QEESI©. Among them, 379 participants completed the questionnaire and the QEESI©. According to the QEESI© interpretation results, participants were divided into very suggestive (VS) group and less suggestive (LS) group.ResultsThe estimated prevalence of MCS was higher in allergic patients than non-allergic participants (19.7% and 11.3%, respectively, P=0.04). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, ages of 30-39 (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.25-6.95) and those of 40-49 (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.02-6.21) were significantly related to MCS compared to those aged less than 30 years. Female sex (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.11-4.18), experience of dwelling in a new house (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.04-4.03), and atopic dermatitis (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.04-3.69) were also significantly related to MCS. However, only age of 30-39 in the allergic group was significant in the stratified analysis.ConclusionsThe estimated prevalence of MCS was higher among allergic patients than non-allergic participants. People with experience of dwelling in a new house and atopic dermatitis were more at risk of being intolerant to chemicals. Further studies to provide the nationally representative prevalence data and clarify risk factors and mechanisms of MCS are required.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Allergic Diseases and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Korean Adults

Jeong

Kim

Park

et al. 2014

Allergy Asthma Immunol Res

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“…Patients avoid situations that may result in chemical exposure, which may result in employment difficulties and social isolation. Nutrition can also be challenging, and some patients will survive on very restrictive diets …”

Section: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Idiopathic Environmental Intolerancementioning

confidence: 99%

Functional symptoms in dermatology: Part 1

2019

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Functionalor somatoformsymptoms are those that arise with no proven organic pathology. Also known as 'medically unexplained' symptoms, they can present in any medical speciality, including dermatology. Mucocutaneous pain syndromes and functional pruritus are two examples of functional disorders encountered by dermatologists. Patients presenting with somatoform symptoms have paradoxically complex and often subjectively severe symptomatology, yet minimal abnormalities on clinical examination or investigation. Such disparity can be frustrating and distressing for patients and clinicians alike, and there are many pitfalls regarding overinvestigation and misleading communication. However, with an honest and open approachsometimes requiring collaboration with psychological servicesmanagement of functional symptoms can be effective, and patients can be successfully rehabilitated.

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“…Increased responsiveness seems to be the mechanism for idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) [11], [12], which describes reactivity to any environmental factors at levels with no harmful health effects [13]. Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are the most studied aspects of IEI, and increasing evidence shows that the condition is not explained by exposures [14], [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinical Characteristics of Disability in Patients with Indoor Air–Related Environmental Intolerance

Vuokko

Karvala

Suojalehto

et al. 2019

Safety and Health at Work

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Background Chronic nonspecific symptoms attributed to indoor nonindustrial work environments are common and may cause disability, but the medical nature of this disability is unclear. The aim was to medically characterize the disability manifested by chronic, recurrent symptoms and restrictions to work participation attributed to low-level indoor pollutants at workplace and whether the condition shares features with idiopathic environmental intolerance. Methods We investigated 12 patients with indoor air–related work disability. The examinations included somatic, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations as well as investigations of the autonomic nervous system, cortisol measurements, lung function, and allergy tests. We evaluated well-being, health, disability, insomnia, pain, anxiety, depression, and burnout via questionnaires. Results The mean symptom history was 10.5 years; for disabling symptoms, 2.7 years. Eleven patients reported reactions triggered mainly by indoor molds, one by fragrances only. Ten reported sensitivity to odorous chemicals, and three, electric devices. Nearly all had co-occurrent somatic and psychiatric diagnoses and signs of pain, insomnia, burnout, and/or elevated sympathetic responses. Avoiding certain environments had led to restrictions in several life areas. On self-assessment scales, disability showed higher severity and anxiety showed lower severity than in physician assessments. Conclusion No medical cause was found to explain the disability. Findings support that the condition is a form of idiopathic environmental intolerance and belongs to functional somatic syndromes. Instead of endless avoidance, rehabilitation approaches of functional somatic syndromes are applicable.

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Multiple chemical sensitivity and idiopathic environmental intolerance (part two)

Cited by 9 publications

References 112 publications

Allergic Diseases and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Korean Adults

Allergic Diseases and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Korean Adults

Functional symptoms in dermatology: Part 1

Clinical Characteristics of Disability in Patients with Indoor Air–Related Environmental Intolerance

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