Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome: First Symptoms and Evolution of the Clinical Picture: Case-Control Study/Epidemiological Case-Control Study

Sandra Fares-Medina, Isabel Díaz-Caro, Rebeca García-Montes, Inmaculada Corral-Liria () and Soledad García-Gómez-Heras
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Sandra Fares-Medina: Student International Doctoral School, Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain
Isabel Díaz-Caro: University Hospital Severo Ochoa, 28911 Madrid, Spain
Rebeca García-Montes: Student International Doctoral School, Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain
Inmaculada Corral-Liria: Nursing and Stomatology Department, Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain
Soledad García-Gómez-Heras: Basic Health Science Department, Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 23, 1-19

Abstract: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition characterized by the appearance of symptoms caused by exposure to chemical compounds that are tolerable for the general population. It mainly affects middle-aged women. There are very few studies focusing on the most frequent symptoms of MCS considering age groups and gender. The main goal of this study was to find the most frequent symptoms both at the onset of the disease and at the present time describing them by age groups. The QEESI (Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory) questionnaire, Scale 3 which assesses symptoms and their severity, was used as a diagnostic tool for the disease. A case-control study was conducted with the participation of 210 people. Of the cases, 94.3% were women. The symptoms that most often manifested first were airway and mucous membrane alterations (68.9%). In the development of the disease, we found cognitive alterations (OR = 31.25), heart or chest problems (OR = 22.49), neuromuscular problems (OR = 20.00) and head-related symptomatology (OR = 19.29). Identifying the most frequent pattern of symptoms by age group and sex will allow an early diagnosis of the disease to improve its prognosis and treatment.

Keywords: multiple chemical sensitivity; idiopathic environmental intolerance; symptoms; Quick Environmental Exposure Sensitivity Inventory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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