Symptoms
Symptoms vary widely from person to person and can fluctuate in intensity. Common symptoms include:
Neurological: Headaches, fatigue, dizziness, cognitive difficulties (memory problems, difficulty concentrating), mood changes, anxiety, depression.
Respiratory: Nasal congestion, sinus problems, cough, shortness of breath, asthma-like symptoms.
Skin: Rashes, hives, itching, eczema.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating.
Musculoskeletal: Muscle aches, joint pain.
Other: Chemical sensitivities, food sensitivities, light sensitivity, noise sensitivity.
Causes
The exact causes of environmental illness are not well understood. Several theories have been proposed, including:
Toxicological: Suggests that exposure to toxins damages the nervous or immune system.
Neurological: Proposes that the brain becomes hypersensitive to environmental stimuli.
Psychological: Highlights the role of psychological factors like stress and anxiety in triggering or exacerbating symptoms.
Genetic Predisposition: Some research suggests a genetic component might make some individuals more susceptible.
Immune System Dysfunction: Some studies propose that the immune system reacts abnormally to environmental triggers.
Medicine Used
There is no single, universally accepted medical treatment for environmental illness. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing exposure to triggers. Some approaches include:
Avoidance: Identifying and avoiding triggering substances is the primary strategy.
Nutritional Support: A healthy diet, supplements, and addressing food sensitivities may help some individuals.
Medications: Antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, or other medications may be used to manage specific symptoms.
Detoxification: Controversial therapies such as chelation are sometimes used, but their effectiveness is not proven and may carry risks.
Alternative Therapies: Some individuals find relief with therapies like acupuncture, biofeedback, or herbal remedies.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Can help manage psychological aspects and coping mechanisms.
Is Communicable
Environmental illness is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions primarily involve reducing exposure to triggering substances:
Identify and Avoid Triggers: Keep a detailed log of symptoms and potential exposures to identify specific triggers.
Create a Safe Home Environment: Use fragrance-free cleaning products, air purifiers, and natural building materials.
Avoid Exposure to Chemicals: Limit exposure to pesticides, perfumes, smoke, and other common chemicals.
Choose Natural Products: Opt for organic food, natural personal care products, and fragrance-free laundry detergents.
Improve Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation in your home and workplace.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who have environmental illness can provide valuable support and information.
How long does an outbreak last?
Environmental illness is a chronic condition, not an outbreak. Symptoms can persist for months or years and can fluctuate in intensity depending on exposure to triggers. There is no set duration for an "outbreak" because it's not an infectious disease.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is often based on a combination of factors:
Medical History: Detailed history of symptoms, exposures, and previous medical conditions.
Physical Examination: A general physical exam to rule out other medical conditions.
Symptom Assessment: Questionnaires and symptom diaries to track symptoms and triggers.
Environmental Exposure History: Detailed information about potential exposures to chemicals and other environmental substances.
Ruling Out Other Conditions: Diagnostic tests to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms (e.g., allergies, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders).
Provocation-Neutralization Testing: Controversial Involves exposing the patient to small amounts of suspected triggers to see if they elicit a reaction. *Not universally accepted by the medical community.*
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies greatly from person to person.
Onset: Can be gradual or sudden, often following a significant exposure to a chemical or environmental trigger.
Early Symptoms: May include fatigue, headaches, and mild respiratory symptoms.
Progression: Symptoms may worsen and become more diverse over time as sensitivity to more substances develops.
Fluctuations: Symptoms may fluctuate in intensity depending on exposure to triggers and other factors like stress and sleep.
Long-Term: For many, environmental illness is a chronic condition with ongoing symptoms that require ongoing management.
Important Considerations
Controversy: Environmental illness is a controversial diagnosis, and some medical professionals do not recognize it as a distinct condition.
Individualized Approach: Treatment must be individualized based on the specific symptoms and triggers of each person.
Multidisciplinary Care: A team approach involving physicians, psychologists, allergists, and other specialists may be necessary.
Quality of Life: Environmental illness can significantly impact quality of life.
Psychological Support: Psychological support and coping strategies are essential for managing the condition and improving well-being.
Advocacy: Individuals with environmental illness may need to advocate for their needs in various settings (e.g., workplace, healthcare).