What is multiple chemical sensitivity?
Multiple chemical sensitivity is under debate in the medical community at this time. Some healthcare providers question whether it exists and whether the underlying illness is not medical but rather psychiatric, and that the symptoms are caused by anxiety. Others acknowledge it as a medical disorder triggered by exposures to chemicals, electromagnetic forces, or other environmental triggers. This often begins with a short-term, severe chemical exposure, such as a chemical spill, or a longer-term exposure.
It is reported that once exposed, low levels of chemicals found in everyday materials, such as soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and newspaper inks, can trigger physical symptoms in people with multiple chemical sensitivities.
What are the symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity?
The following are the most common symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity. However, each person experiences symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Headaches, Rashes, Asthma, Muscle and joint aches, Fatigue, Memory loss, Confusion
Hyperosmia is a heightened sense of smell. This increased ability to perceive odors usually occurs due to another condition, but may also happen on its own in some cases.
In this article, we examine the other symptoms that can occur alongside hyperosmia, as well as the range of conditions that can cause it. We also take a look at the treatment options for a heightened sense of smell. #hyperosmia #chemicalsensitivity #supersmellers
When someone has hyperosmia, they can experience smells more strongly than other people. This strong sense of smell may lead a person with hyperosmia to experience discomfort and illness from certain odors.
Trigger odors for hyperosmia vary from person to person.
Common smells that may trigger discomfort or illness in a person with hyperosmia include:
* chemical smells
* perfumes
* cleaning products
* scented candles
Because a variety of underlying conditions may cause hyperosmia, a person may also experience other symptoms related to the condition.
Complications
Hyperosmia tends to be a complication of another underlying condition. However, changes to the sense of smell may trigger an increase in headaches and nausea and vomiting.
Migraines are a type of headache that can cause recurrent attacks of moderate to severe pain. The reason why some people have migraines is currently unknown, but environmental changes, such as the weather, can trigger a migraine.
Environmental triggers can also include certain smells. As a result, people with hyperosmia may be more likely to experience migraines when they smell particular odors.
In some cases, hyperosmia may lead to depression or anxiety.
There may be a genetic reason that makes some people more likely to develop hyperosmia than others. Scientists need to carry out more research to fully understand this possible genetic link and to develop potential treatments.
Hyperosmia typically occurs alongside another condition. Some of these conditions can cause a change in the sense of smell. Sometimes, however, a change in the sense of smell can worsen the underlying problem.
Possible causes of hyperosmia include the following:
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes in pregnancy can lead to changes in the sense of smell. According to research, the majority
of pregnant women experience a heightened sense of smell in the first trimester of pregnancy.
People who experience hyperosmia during pregnancy may also experience increased nausea and vomiting.
Pregnancy-induced hyperosmia tends to go away after the pregnancy ends and hormone levels return to normal.
Autoimmune disorders
Hyperosmia is a common symptom of some autoimmune disorders. It can also occur when the kidneys do not work correctly, which can lead to Addison’s disease, an adrenal gland disorder.
Systemic lupus erythematosus also affects the sense of smell, primarily due to its impact on the nervous system.
Lyme disease
Some studies show that as many as 50 percent of the people that contract this tick-borne illness develop hyperosmia. The way that Lyme disease affects the nervous system may contribute to the change in the sense of smell.
Other neurological conditions
The following neurological conditions can cause hyperosmia:
* Parkinson’s disease
* epilepsy
* Alzheimer’s
* multiple sclerosis
* polyps or tumors in the nose or skull
Prescription medications
can affect the sense of smell. Most medications dull the sense of smell, but occasionally a prescription drug may make certain smells stronger.
People that experience a change in their sense of smell after starting a new medication should consult their doctor.
Diabetes
In rare cases, type 1 diabetes may cause hyperosmia. This generally occurs when type 1 diabetes has not yet been treated or is not well managed.
Nutritional deficiencies
Some nutritional deficiencies, including a lack of B-12, can affect the sense of smell. A deficiency in B-12 can seriously impair the nervous system.
