Increasing numbers of people are developing chemical sensitivities to
chemicals at levels tolerated by the majority of the population. The
symptoms are varied. Many times the symptoms effect more than one body
system. These people fit no particular disease catagory or pattern.
Respiratory problems such as asthma is common. Many allergist will say
that this is an irritant response rather than an allergy. Yet these
reactions are to specific chemicals. Other things that would be
considered much more irritating may cause no problems at all. Often
there has been no previous history of asthma or respiratory problems.
Reactive Airway Disfunction Syndrome or Occupational Asthma might be a
diagnosis except that the other symptoms do not fit that profile.
There are often complaints of neurological symptoms such as dizziness,
weakness, and difficulty in thinking. Muscular and joint aches much
like flu symptoms may be another manifestation.
Does anyone have any ideas on the pathophysiology of this?
Betty Bridges, RN
