The Complete Guide to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Disorder and How it Affects Your Health
The Complete Guide to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Disorder and How it Affects Your Health
What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Disorder?
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Disorder is a condition in which a person has an abnormal response to low levels of chemicals, pollutants, or other substances in the environment.
The patient may have a headache, difficulty breathing, and dizziness when exposed to noxious chemicals. MCS can also cause fatigue, nausea, and depression.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Disorder is not recognized by the medical establishment as an illness; it’s still controversial whether it’s real or not. Some doctors believe that the symptoms are psychosomatic and that people who suffer from MCS should be treated by psychiatrists rather than physicians.
Symptoms of MCS
The symptoms of MCS can vary from person to person, but the most common ones are:
– Eye irritation
– Difficulty breathing
– Skin problems such as hives, rashes and eczema
– Asthma
– Headaches and migraines
Causes of MCS
The causes of MCS are not well understood, but research has found that it can be triggered by a variety of factors. These include:
-Exposure to chemicals in the environment such as solvents, pesticides, and formaldehyde
-Exposure to heavy metals such as lead and mercury
-Exposure to mould/mold and mycotoxins which can produce mVOCs
-Medications that contain quinine or other related compounds
-Exposure to certain viruses such as Epstein Barr virus and herpes simplex virus
-Genetic predisposition
-Infections such as Lyme disease or HIV/AIDS
-Stressful events including surgery, emotional trauma, physical trauma, or high fevers.
Treatment for MCS
Always seek professional medical advice from your local doctor. The treatment for MCS is still not well-known. There are a few treatments that have been found to be effective, but more research is needed to find out which ones work the best.
Some of the treatments that have been found to be effective are:
– Intranasal corticosteroid
– Antidepressants
– Exposure therapy
Support Groups for MCS
MCS is a chronic, neurological condition that can make life difficult for sufferers. It can affect their ability to work and socialize, and in some cases can lead to depression.
Support groups for MCS are an important way to connect with others who have the disease and to get support from those who have been there too.
The Allergy and Environmental Sensitivity Support and Research Association Inc. is a local Australian support group that provides valuable resources, like a library of books, articles, and videos on MCS topics. They also provide information on research being done in the area of environmental sensitivities.
As more people are diagnosed with MCS, more support groups are popping up all over the country and internationally.
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International Facebook Groups
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Australian Support Groups
The Importance of Understanding MCS and How it Affects Your Health
MCS is a chronic illness that affects your immune system. It is not contagious, but it can be triggered by a variety of chemicals in the environment. If you have MCS, there are ways to reduce exposure to chemicals and fragrances so that you can live a healthier life.
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Maintain a low toxic chemical life
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Avoid consumer cleaning products and personal care products such as perfumes and deoderant
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Avoid annual pesticide spraying and opt for integrated pest management techniques
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Use an Air Purifier with a HEPA filter and Activated Carbon Filter such as the InovaAir E8 or E20 air purifier.
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Use proper ventilation for kitchen, bathrooms and laundry areas which vents external to the home.
Other Research Articles:
- Prevalence and effects of multiple chemical sensitivities in Australia
- Disability Specific Adjustments: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in the Education and Training Setting
- Investigating the causal relationship between allergic disease and mental health