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. 2003 Jan;7(6):273–282. doi: 10.1007/BF02908886

Multiple chemical sensitivity and idiopathic environmental intolerance (part two)

Mitsuyasu Watanabe 1, Hideki Tonori 1,✉, Yoshiharu Aizawa 1
PMCID: PMC2723466  PMID: 21432396

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.

Key words: multiple chemical sensitivity, idiopathic environmental intolerance, chemical intolerance, diagnosis, treatment

Abbreviations

CES

Chronic fatigue syndrome

FM

Fibromyalgia

IEI

Idiopathic environmental intolerance

PGW

Persian Gulf Warr

MCS

Multiple chemical sensitivity

PTSD

Posttraumatic stress disorder

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