Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS): The Afflicted

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Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS): The Afflicted

From Judy Tidwell,Your Guide to Allergies.

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.

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For more on other dangers of breast implants, please visit:

www.BreastImplantAwareness.org