Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome 285
or PANIC DISORDER. Others believe it is a HYPERSENSI-
TIVITY REACTION. Symptoms of multiple chemical
sensitivity syndrome often include
• PALPITATIONS and CHEST PAIN
• fatigue and shortness of breath (DYSPNEA)
• difficulty sleeping
• cognitive disturbances
The diagnostic path is primarily clinical, based
on the person’s symptoms. Though BLOOD tests can
detect changes in immune indicators such as
IMMUNOGLOBULIN levels, LEUKOCYTE activity, and
complement factors, the changes are inconsistent
from one person to the next and do not necessarily
correlate either to symptoms or exposures.
Treatment is avoidance, whenever possible, of
environments and circumstances that exacerbate
symptoms. Because the substances and their
quantities or exposures to them are common,
however, it is often hard for the person to avoid
exposure. Medications typically given to treat
hypersensitivity reactions, such as ANTIHISTAMINE
MEDICATIONS or CORTICOSTEROID MEDICATIONS, do not
relieve the symptoms and discomforts of multiple
chemical sensitivity syndrome. For most people
the syndrome is chronic, with symptoms waxing
and waning. Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome
can have a significant affect on QUALITY OF
LIFE.
See also CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME; COGNITIVE
FUNCTION AND DYSFUNCTION; COMPLEMENT CASCADE;
FIBROMYALGIA.