Environmental Intolerances / Multiple Chemical Sensitivity : Overview for Clinicians

An Integrative Approach to Environmental Intolerances: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Related Illnesses

Background

With increased prevalence of chronic disease has come increased illnesses attributed to environmental exposures.

• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is the best-studied.
• Diagnosis is highly controversial with the disorders not recognized by many medical organizations.
• Etiology is also hotly debated.
• No standard of care exists for diagnosis and management.
• Unconventional, costly treatments exist with unproven efficacy.
• Average patient with MCS has seen 8-12 clinicians and reports only 1in 4 to be helpful.

Diagnosis

Self-diagnosis is typical.  No laboratory tests exist to definitively confirm diagnosis.  MCS has consistent characteristics:

• Chronic.  Symptoms present for many months.
• Reproducible.  Predictable when symptoms will occur.
• Symptoms occur with low levels of chemicals.
• Symptoms triggered by multiple, unrelated chemicals.
• Symptoms disappear when exposure stops.
• Multiple organ systems involved.

Treatment Recommendations

Research lacking.  Management based on subjective responses from patients.  Encourage the following:

• Holistic approach
• Avoidance of chemicals that cause problems (within reason)
• Support group
• Prayer and meditation
• Other mind-body therapies (e.g., biofeedback, hypnosis, breathing exercises, journaling)
• Exploration of emotions (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy)
• Exercise
• Energy medicine (e.g., acupuncture, healing touch, reiki, homeopathy, acupressure)
• Rotation diet
• Focus on assets
• Supplements (e.g., magnesium, multivitamin containing C, E, and minerals, milk thistle seeds)
• Only one approach at a time
• Safe detoxification regimen.

Please see the downloads section for more detailed clinician and patient information.

Disclaimer: This information is for general education. Please work with your health care practitioner to use it in the best way possible to promote your health.