Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS): The Afflicted

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Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS): The Afflicted

People With Allergies Are More Susceptible to

Chemicals

Those who are afflicted with Multiple Chemical

Sensitivity (MCS) suffer from a multitude of ailments,

that have very real consequences.

MCS is a worldwide illness that can affect anyone, and

most who suffer from this disorder were healthy before

becoming ill. Some believe that children, the

elderly, and people with allergic illnesses seem to be

more susceptible to chemicals than the average person.

Some people can be genetically susceptible also.

More women than men are affected by this illness. It

is believed that since men produce Testosterone, it

often covers up the symptoms and warning signs until

it is too late. Women produce Estrogen which does not

cover up the symptoms.

There is also the theory that because women use more

toxic products from cosmetics to household cleaners

than men, they are more susceptible.

Those most likely to be associated with MCS are

industrial workers,

" sick building " occupants, those living in chemically

contaminated communities, Gulf War veterans, and women

with silicone breast implants.

Half of those with MCS also suffer with traditional

(IgE) allergies, in other words, they can also be

susceptible to food, mold, or dust allergies.

Causes & Triggers Clinical Ecologists believe that

repeated small exposures or one large high exposure to

chemical agents over time can lead to the body losing

its ability to detox. This can sensitize people and

cause their immune systems to malfunction. Once the

body's ability to process toxins is damaged, the

person may be more susceptible to chemicals that never

caused a problem before.

The body's detox processes can be impaired by other

means besides chemical agents. Some other causes of

MCS include viruses, severe emotional or physical

trauma (especially in childhood), liver damage, or

metabolism disorders. Some people with MCS may have a

genetic disorder of the enzyme pathways (porphyria),

which may not manifest until triggered by a chemical

exposure.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity can be triggered by a

multitude of chemicals. Mostly petrochemicals, they

can be found in pesticides, herbicides, perfumes,

fragrances, paints, wood treatments, glues, carpets,

furniture, shampoo, soap, detergents, cleaners,

plastics, solvents, markers, raw fuels, engine

exhaust, alcohol, medications, caffeine and food

additives to name a few. Pollution can also play a

part in this disorder.

Symptoms The symptoms of MCS can be similar to those

of traditional allergies, such as headaches,

migraines, dizziness, nausea, anaphylactic shock,

breathing difficulty, rashes and other skin eruptions.

Of course, there can be other symptoms such as acute

abdominal pain, prolonged fatigue, insomnia,

neurological signs, loss of concentration, memory

loss, body aches and pains, and even progressive

coordination impairment. Keep in mind this is not an

all inclusive list.

Treatment Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is difficult

for physicians to diagnose because there is no single

set of symptoms which fit together as a syndrome.

There is also not one diagnostic test that will detect

every manifestation of the disorder.

Physicians must become detectives to sort out a

patient's medical history and pay attention to the

patient's environmental or occupational exposures in

order to correctly diagnose MCS.

As with allergies, avoidance is the key in treating

MCS. As with its symptoms, treatment varies with the

individual afflicted.

It may be helpful to use an air purifying system. The

American Environmental Health Foundation suggests the

food you eat, and the personal care products you use

may contain offensive chemicals. Be careful what you

purchase and read the labels.

For additional information on Multiple Chemical

Sensitivity, please refer to the collected Internet

links.

~ Judy Tidwell

http://allergies.about.com/cs/mcs/a/aa012599.htm