Apologies for any translation errors.
Multiple chemical sensitivity
After contact with fragrances, some building materials, solvents or smoke, I experience delayed flu-like symptoms that last for hours to weeks.
In my case, this is due to a complex of different illnesses, including:
The inflammatory response after exposure (increase in IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-a, MIP-1a, and others) explains the symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), but the specific mechanisms are still unclear. Therefore, I find the term chronic multisystem illness (CMI) more appropriate, but use the more commonly used term MCS in the posts.
In my case, the reactions developed suddenly and from full health after an EBV infection. The organic disease was fully recognized (severe disability, care level, pension). This is a rare exception; many affected individuals have to fight for their rights for decades.
Where can I find out more about MCS?
[All in German] You can find a brief overview of the German Professional Association of Clinical Environmental Physicians here. This consensus paper from the European Academy of Environmental Medicine provides a good overview of the causes and mechanisms of the disease. The Lacour criteria from 2005 are usually used for diagnosis.
in 2019, almost 100 doctors and scientists signed the Italian MCS Consensus. You can find a German translation here. There is a huge knowledge gap, if you have time, please read it.
