How do I know if I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?

What signs or symptoms may make you suspect you may have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. People who have experience in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity offer advice of what things may make you suspicious and which doctor you should go to to receive treatment

Do I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a condition in which individuals experience adverse reactions to various chemicals found in everyday products and environments. These reactions can occur at very low levels of exposure that would not typically affect most people. If you suspect you may have MCS, here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:

1. Sensitivity to Chemicals

People with MCS often report experiencing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, nausea, skin rashes, and cognitive problems when exposed to certain chemicals. These symptoms may occur immediately or have a delayed onset.

2. Multiple Triggers

Individuals with MCS tend to react to a wide range of chemicals, including those found in cleaning products, perfumes, pesticides, paints, solvents, and even natural substances like mold or pollen. The reactions can be triggered by inhaling, touching, or ingesting these substances.

3. Symptom Patterns

People with MCS often notice a pattern in their symptoms. They may experience symptom flare-ups in specific environments or after exposure to certain chemicals. These reactions can be consistent and reproducible.

4. Sensitivity to Low Levels

Individuals with MCS may react to chemicals at levels far below what is considered toxic for the general population. They may experience symptoms even when others around them do not, making it challenging to identify the source of their symptoms.

5. Impact on Daily Life

MCS can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Those affected may need to avoid certain environments, modify their living spaces, and carefully select products that are less likely to trigger symptoms. Social and occupational functioning can also be affected.

If you suspect you have MCS, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in environmental medicine or toxicology. They can help evaluate your symptoms, rule out other potential causes, and provide guidance on managing your condition.

Please note: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention.

Diseasemaps

If you are consistently having breathing and/or headache symptoms when you are exposed to certain smells/chemicals/places, you may have MCS. Unfortunately, if your environment is constantly bombarded with perfumes, shampoos, cleaners, etc. you may feel terrible but not quite realize what is affecting you. At that point you may want to reduce your product use to scent-free and natural/organic options to see if you feel better, then look for a doctor who is open to the possibilities of chemical sensitivities.

Posted Oct 24, 2017 by Paul 3000

The things that clued me in were, getting headaches from the detergent aisle, perume counters, bed and bath, or candle stores. I realized I was avoiding them. Getting "the flu" after being in highly fragrant situations. Getting horrendous headaches following pesticide applications (insecticides for mosquitos, or pet flea and tick treatments), cleaning chems made me nauseous.

Posted Oct 27, 2017 by JLMcK 5550

If you are not sensitive to chemicals, you don't.

Posted Apr 12, 2018 by needinfo&help 1500

Reacting to smells in the air by feeling you need to get away or having a major reaction to some chemical you are exposed to. Most doctors are not helpful as this is often seen as a mental condition. It is not widely accepted that chemicals can have such effects on people.

Posted Jan 6, 2019 by Cindi 3050

In the supermarket can you stand at the top of the washing powder aisle?
Yes.
You don't have it.

Posted Apr 1, 2019 by Susan 2500

You'll react to strong scents and exhaust, maybe have trouble breathing, have skin rashes, get headachy or feel tired. Or become irrationally angry.

Posted Jun 4, 2019 by Heather 3000

You won’t at first! It will take a few reactions before you start to recognise that something isn’t right! Journal everything, that’s the only way your going to get a diagnosis from any physician, they want to see evidence before they start any testing! Even bloods!

Posted Aug 22, 2019 by Carmen Rosemarie 2550

See a specialist in toxic exposures

Posted Nov 18, 2019 by Angie P. 5000

You have adverse reactions to perfumes, solvents, pesticides, plastics, or any other synthesized chemicals.

Posted Dec 12, 2019 by Joanna 6200

After many years of research and compairing my illness to other people over the world. Also been diagnozed in UK

Posted Jan 30, 2020 by Noeleen 2500

Now that I know I have MCS, I can look back in my life and see how it was building up to become this extreme sensitivity.

How going to Costco would exhaust me and how I would always end up having a migraine that evening.

How I stopped dying my hair because the smell burned my eyes, throat and sinuses and made my hair hurt and itch.

How I walked into a newly remodeled Kholes and my throat closed up on me. The doctor later gave me an emergency inhaler, but when it happened again -the inhaler didn't work for me. After testing, I was told I didn't have asthma, it must have been a reaction to the new carpet.

I have started going everywhere with one of those chemical paint masks.

Posted Feb 11, 2020 by Rheama 1600

If your symptoms disappear when the chemicals in the air are removed or the person is removed from the exposure area

Posted Mar 7, 2020 by MCSzombie 6220

You can't tolerate smells that you used to tolerate or even enjoy -- particularly fragrance.
You have a lot of fatigue.
You have a lot of unexplained symptoms.
You leave spaces because you can't tolerate being in them anymore because the symptoms are so bad.

Primary care physician -- continue to complain about products that are problematic. Rule out other conditions (see previous entry)
Allergist -- to rule out allergies

Posted Sep 27, 2020 by Rebecca St. Martin 3570

If you consistently react when exposed to certain chemicals/ fragrances, its likely. It must be more than 1 fragrance

Posted Nov 12, 2020 by shelley 3650

Take a MCS questionnaire

Posted Jul 24, 2021 by Serenity 2500

Many people with MCS develop hyperosmia, where their sense of smell becomes very heightened. Odors (from chemicals such as fragrances) begin to produce reactions such as asthma, migraines, and brain fog. You should clean up your environment as much as possible (remove fragrances and toxic cleaning products) immediately to attempt to prevent your MCS from progressing.

Posted Nov 11, 2021 by kola05 2620

If you react negatively to perfumes, detergents, inks, exhaust fumes, air fresheners, candles with perfumes or any artificial fragrance, electromagnetic radiation, etc.

Posted Nov 3, 2022 by Eduardo 1700