Dorothy FarrarMultiple chemical intolerance
In the case of multiple chemical intolerance, those affected are hypersensitive to numerous chemicals. The disorder is also known as MCS syndrome.
What is Multiple Chemical Intolerance?
With the multiple chemical intolerance, the MCS syndrome is meant. The English abbreviation MCS stands for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, which translated into German means “multiple chemical intolerance”. The people affected have an intolerance to chemical substances such as exhaust fumes, fragrances, sprays, solvents and tobacco smoke. In Germany alone, around 54,000 Germans are affected by the MCS syndrome, which often takes a chronic course.
causes
The multiple intolerance to chemicals has been known since the 1980s. Since that time there has been a heated debate about the triggering causes. There is disagreement as to whether the MCS syndrome should be classified psychosomatically or toxicologically. In many cases exposure to chemicals is blamed for the development of the disease. Even small amounts of chemical substances such as exhaust fumes, tobacco smoke, solvents or fragrances can be the cause of multiple chemical intolerance.
To this day, the exact causes of MCS syndrome have not been identified. It was at least clarified that in most patients an increased exposure to chemicals occurred beforehand. The triggering chemical substances include primarily solvents, biocides and formaldehyde. Another property of the triggering substances is that they are neurotoxic. For most of those affected, however, the pollution can be reversed. However, if the multiple chemical intolerance becomes chronic, this often leads to an aggravation of sensitivity. As a result, patients tolerate fewer and fewer chemicals over time.
Other factors are held responsible for the development of the MCS syndrome. It can be psychosomatic, certain pre-existing conditions or allergies . Most doctors now assume that there are numerous factors for the occurrence of chemical intolerance. Both psychosomatic and toxicological factors contribute to the development. There are also some risk factors that favor the occurrence of the MCS syndrome.
These include food and drug intolerance, allergic reactions , respiratory diseases , mental disorders and stress . However, the multiple chemical intolerance is not taken seriously by all physicians. Some speak appraisingly of a “fashion disease”. In their opinion, only 3 percent of all complaints are actually caused by environmental influences.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of multiple chemical intolerance:
The symptoms that occur as part of the MCS syndrome are extremely varied. The main symptoms are primarily exhaustion, feelings of weakness, tiredness, body aches, headaches, nausea, circulatory problems and dizziness. Many patients are also very sensitive to the smell of certain chemical substances. These can also be substances that are actually harmless.
Since those affected are under constant stress, they suffer from concentration disorders and sleep problems. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, burning eyes, problems with the musculoskeletal system, itching, inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal problems. If those affected avoid the triggering chemical substances that are not related to each other, the symptoms immediately subside.
The prognosis for multiple chemical intolerance is classified as rather unfavorable. Psychotherapeutic treatment alone is considered ineffective. It is not uncommon for the patient’s quality of life to be significantly restricted, since the MCS syndrome has a negative effect on their everyday and professional life. In some cases, there is also a risk of drug dependency.
Diagnose
Since the causes of the multiple chemical intolerance are still not clear, the diagnosis of the MCS syndrome is not easy. As a rule, the doctor rules out other diseases that are possible causes of the symptoms. Ultimately, the patient’s symptoms determine which examinations are carried out. A big problem are the different symptoms and the different triggering chemicals. So far there are no test procedures to clarify the complaints.
treatment and therapy
Due to the unclear causes, there is still no uniform form of treatment for the MCS syndrome. Basically, the therapy consists of three points. This includes first and foremost the consistent avoidance of the triggering chemical substances. However, this can often only be carried out in the patient’s living area. To do this, the apartment must be thoroughly cleaned so that the irritants can be eliminated.
In order to counteract the extreme stress on the patient, which arises from the multiple chemical intolerance, supportive psychotherapy is carried out. This is seen as particularly helpful in the case of psychological complications. It is also important to collect information about the disease. Taking psychotropic drugs , on the other hand, is considered counterproductive.
A disadvantage of the treatment, however, is that it can result in the patient being isolated from their social environment. However, this often even threatens to worsen the symptoms. Other patients, on the other hand, feel disadvantaged when they are asked to undergo psychotherapeutic treatment. So they believe that the doctors do not take their illness seriously and consider them to be mentally ill
prevention
Preventing MCS syndrome effectively is difficult. A variety of factors lead to the onset of the disease. In addition, a single exposure to chemicals is enough for their occurrence. However, a healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of exercise, a healthy diet and abstinence from alcohol and cigarettes is considered a sensible preventive measure . It is also important to avoid chemical pollutants.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.