Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Cause Allergy Reactions

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Multiple chemical senstivity refers to a condition caused by an exposure to a wide range of chemicals that can range from a chemical spill, to poor ventilation in an office environment. Other terms that have also been frequently used to describe the same thing include “environmental illness” or “sick building syndrome”.

Unfortunately, many medical groups do not actually consider MCS to be a recognized physical disorder since there is a lack of clinical evidence supporting the existence of this condition. Yet, there are several cases of sufferers complaining about the effects of MCS - including anxiety, depression and other mental disorders that may express in physical symptoms - making it difficult to assess whether the symptoms are physical or psychologically based.

Other symptoms of MCS reported include fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, irritability, concentration problems, intolerance to cold or to heat, earaches, congestion of the nasal passages, itching, sneezing, memory problems, diarrhea,chest pain, muscle pain, sore throat, skin rashes or hives and also mood changes.

Many products have been identified as possible allergens leading to MCS. They include: tobacco smoke, perfume, exhaust from gasoline fumes, nail polish remover, newspaper ink, artificial food preservatives, hair spray or paint spray, insecticides, artificial sweeteners and colors, new carpeting, felt tip pens, adhesive tape, chlorine in pools, and also flame retardants on clothing or furniture.

Sadly, many doctors do not recognize MCS, and will not give a diagnosis. This makes research studies difficult due to lack of statistics. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that 1/3 of individuals working in sealed buildings have claimed to be sensitive to one or more chemicals. Females are more likely than males to complain of MCS. Findings indicate that MCS develops more often in the 30 to 50 age group.

Doctors who support the idea of MCS make the diagnosis by conducting a complete medical examination, looking into the medical history, and ordering diagnostic tests such as X-rays, and blood tests. Allergies are ruled out as well as other mental health disorders, physical ailments and other causes for symptoms, for a conclusion.

The only way to treat MCS is probably to stay alert to symptoms and to remove yourself as much as possible to an exposure to chemicals. There are also support groups that you can join, if you believe that MCS is the case for you.

May

27

What is An Anaphylaxis Reaction

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An anaphylaxis reaction is a severe reaction to an allergen. This reaction is the most severe allergy symptom that you as the sufferer can possibly get since it can be life threatening.

The anaphylaxis reaction can include skin swelling, hives, lowered blood pressure, fainting and also dilated blood vessels. Shock often results upon exposure to the allergen. If not treated immediately, the sufferer can die.

What happens in the body is a reaction to the food eaten. A signal is triggered of a foreign invader and that the body must react by producing disease-fighting antibodies called immunoglobulin E or IgE. The first exposure to the allergen may not produce any symptoms but may just cause a production of antibodies none the same. However, upon repeated exposure, the antibodies that were produced the first time will release a large amount of a protein called, “histamine”. This histamine will cause the symptoms associated with the allergic reaction such as the hives, breathing difficulties, drop in blood pressure swelling of throat or lips etc.

Usually itching is first experienced, becoming more severe within minutes. Then, this is followed by more serious symptoms such as swallowing difficulties and breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, skin hives or angioedema (which is swelling like hives but under the skin). The emergency hotline number should be dialled immediately, if serious symptoms are observed.

A sufferer of severe allergies should prepare for any possible attacks by carrying medication on their person (purse or briefcase, pocket). A common auto-injector, is called, the EpiPen. It may also be wise to carry some medication around in the case of an emergency taking place.

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