Symptoms, Diagnose and Treatment of MCS

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a health disorder similar to allergies. Your body reacts to substances that are ingested, smelled, or touched. Interestingly, studies conducted point to women being more susceptible to MCS than men, and the sensitivities usually develop in the 30s on through 50.(1) According to William J. Meggs, M.D., Ph.D., there are four stages to MCS(2):

Zero: ability to tolerate chemicals
One: sensitization begins as a result of exposure to a chemical
Two: chemical exposure leads to inflammation such as non-allergic asthma and multiple sclerosis
Three: chronic inflammation leads to tissue and organ deterioration

MCS is also known as environmental illness and sick building syndrome and if severe, and is life altering. Something as simple as using your gas oven can trigger overwhelming symptoms that necessitate immediate action. The action would be to get away from the trigger or stop/remove the source of the trigger.
While MCS is still controversial, LECTLAW.com states:

“both the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development and the Social Security Administration have recognized MCS as a disability.”

MCS Symptoms and Triggers

The most common symptoms of MCS include: headache, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, irritability, breathing problems, changes in hear rhythm, difficulty concentrating, and skin rashes.

In regard to triggers, the list is extensive: perfume, household cleaners, tobacco smoke, hair spray, toiletries, insecticides, scented products, air fresheners, gas from ovens, ozone, newspaper ink, new carpets, new car smells, felt tip pens, car exhaust, chlorine, and many, many more.

Diagnose and Treatment of MCS

Unfortunately, there are no tests to diagnose MCS. Through symptoms, a physical, lab tests, and a medical history, a doctor may determine you have MCS.

Since there is very little known about MCS there is no treatment protocol aside from avoidance which can be very difficult in your chemical saturated world. Keeping a half-mask respirator with both a particulate filter and a VOC filter might prove helpful.(3)

If you think you have MCS, your first step is to discuss the matter with your doctor; you might also see an allergist. After that, if you need additional help you could look for a doctor who practices environmental medicine.

Jacob Maslow is a contributing writer to Allergy Be Gone’s well regarded Allergy News Blog as well as the Allergy News editor for Topix.com

Sources:
(1) http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/multiple-chemical-sensitivity?page=2
(2) http://www.lectlaw.com/filesh/csl01.htm
(3) http://thetruthaboutmcs.blogspot.com/2007/07/study-says-carbon-filters-ineffective.html