Multiple chemical sensitivity and idiopathic environmental intolerance (part two).
- Author:
Mitsuyasu WATANABE
1
;
Hideki TONORI
;
Yoshiharu AIZAWA
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: chemical intolerance; diagnosis; idiopathic environmental intolerance; multiple chemical sensitivity; treatment
- From:Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 2003;7(6):273-282
- CountryJapan
- Language:English
- Abstract: Multiple chemical sensitivity/idiopathic environmental intolerance (MCS/IEI) is a commonly used diagnostic term for a group of symptoms without apparent organic basis. The symptoms are characteristic of dysfunction in multiple organ systems. They wax and wane fluctuate according to exposure to low levels of chemical agents in the patient's environment, and sometimes begin after a distinct environmental change or injury such an industrial accident or chemical introduced after remodeling. Although traditional medical organizations have not agreed on a definition for this syndrome, it is being increasingly recognized and makes up an increasing percentage of the caseload at occupational/environmental medical clinics.Part two of this review article discusses diagnosis, clinical examination, long-term follow up of MCS/IEI, and the role of physicians, research on odor and treatment, diseases with similar symptoms, and further research regarding MCS/IEI patients.
