Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

What is multiple chemical sensitivity?

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a proposed name for a set of symptoms that seem to happen after exposure to small amounts of various substances. These could be anything from air freshener to ink. Symptoms vary from person to person but often include issues that affect your breathing and ability to focus. You may also feel tired or achy. You might hear multiple chemical sensitivity called idiopathic environmental intolerance.

It’s common for things like scents, smoke and workplace chemicals to trigger asthma, headaches or other medical conditions. But for some people, even a small amount of certain substances seem to trigger long-lasting symptoms. These can be so severe that they keep you from seeing friends, working or enjoying hobbies.

These symptoms are real. But healthcare providers may have a hard time pinpointing the cause. The American Academy of Allergy and Immunology and the American Medical Association don’t currently recognize multiple chemical sensitivity as a diagnosis. But your provider wants you to feel better. They may suggest ways to manage your symptoms or avoid things that could trigger them.

Symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity

The symptoms attributed to multiple chemical sensitivity vary. They generally involve more than one body system — for instance, you might have both heart palpitations and difficulty focusing. The symptoms can be similar to other long-term conditions, like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.

Common symptoms include:

• Generally feeling unwell
• Feeling of pins and needles in the skin (paresthesia)
• Chest/throat tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea
• Heart palpitations
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Weakness
• Trouble with focusing or memory (“brain fog”)
• Impending sense of doom
• Feeling like you may faint
• Desire to escape a situation

Multiple chemical sensitivity causes

There’s no doubt that certain substances around your house or at work can irritate your skin or your airways. But experts disagree about whether low levels of these substances could cause the symptoms people report. And scientific studies haven’t been able to prove it, either.

Some experts think it’s more likely a combination of environmental and psychological factors, like anxiety. Others have theorized that a strong sense of smell or an immune system response might have something to do with it.

Common substances thought to be associated with multiple chemical sensitivity include:

• Air fresheners/deodorizers
• Cleaning products
• Deodorants, perfumes and colognes
• Cigars and cigarette smoke
• Asphalt pavement and fumes from tar
• Diesel and gasoline fumes
• Nail polish and nail polish remover
• Varnish, shellac and lacquer
• Paint thinner
• Pen, newspaper or magazine ink

How doctors diagnose multiple chemical sensitivity

Not all providers recognize MCS as an official diagnosis. There aren’t any specific tests for it. Tests of organ function usually come back normal, which makes it difficult to pinpoint health issues.

Your provider will listen to your symptoms. They may ask you about your health history and whether you work with any specific chemicals or irritants. They’ll likely have you get routine blood tests. Depending on your symptoms, your primary care provider might refer you to one or more specialists.

Additional testing might include:

• Allergy tests
• Lung function tests
• Neurological exam

How do you recover from multiple chemical sensitivity?

There are no specific treatments for MCS. You can work with your provider to manage your symptoms and try to find ways to avoid substances or situations that make you feel sick. This might take some trial and error. Desensitization therapy, like EMDR, can sometimes help certain people to reduce symptoms from specific triggers.

If you have other conditions that are contributing to your symptoms, like asthma or anxiety, your provider will recommend specific treatment for those conditions.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re having symptoms that disrupt your life, especially if you can’t figure out the cause. It’s usually best to start with a primary care provider or family doctor. They can work with you to determine causes, discuss strategies for treating your symptoms and refer you to a specialist if need be.