FAMILY MEDICINE® COLUMN
By John C. Wolf, D.O.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine®
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

"MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY" IS A REAL DISORDER

Question: Over the years I've had many reactions and sensitivities to chemicals, including medicines. I've had rashes, not felt well, confusion, and even one anaphylactic reaction. Currently I'm taking an antibiotic. It is helping, but it causes cramping, multiple stools, acid reflux and a burning mouth. Do you have any suggestions that would help me with my multiple sensitivities other than looking for a natural antibiotic?

Answer: I think I can best answer your question by addressing the issues you raise one at a time. First, antibiotics are "natural." There is a mistaken belief among some groups that medicine purchased from the drug store is not as good as "natural" products from the health food store. Actually, most antibiotics are refined products from molds, so they are "natural." This doesn't imply that they are without side effects, however. The frequent stools and abdominal cramps you are experiencing are common complaints associated with antibiotic use. They are not an allergy or sensitivity to the drug. Instead, they are an anticipated but unpleasant consequence a side effect.

Second, the "multiple chemical sensitivity" condition you describe can be very frustrating. Individuals with this problem have reactions to substances usually man-made chemicals, present in the workplace or home at concentrations that are safe for most people. The most common symptoms are those related to the nervous system, such as headaches, dizziness, confusion and blurred vision. Other symptoms are also possible.

Some have suggested that most individuals reporting multiple chemical sensitivity are actually just showing a different manifestation of an emotional condition such as depression or a phobia. Careful scientific studies have shown this isn't so.

Other investigators have found that those with asthma and other allergic conditions are at greater risk of developing multiple chemical sensitivity. While this appears to be true, there are also many people who have multiple chemical sensitivity but do not show the kinds of immune system changes that are characteristic of allergy and asthma. In other words, we don't understand the actual physiologic changes that result in multiple chemical sensitivity.

Your initial reaction to your condition has been correct. You need to limit your exposure to man-made chemicals as well as "natural" chemicals to which you are sensitive. Most people with your condition experience symptoms from chemicals released into the air from carpet, plywood, paint, and other industrial chemicals, but some, like you, also have more classic allergic reactions to things they consume. Colorants and preservatives are frequently the culprits rather than the active ingredient in food and drink, while the active ingredient is often the problem in medicine.

If you have a reaction to a medicine, be sure to describe all of your symptoms to your doctor. This helps you and your doctor figure out if you are actually allergic to the drug or if you are just experiencing an unpleasant side effect. If it's just an unpleasant side effect, like with your antibiotic, your doctor will probably recommend that you continue taking it until the infection is cleared up. If you are having an allergic reaction, however, your doctor will want to find a substitute drug.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to John C. Wolf, D.O., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Grosvenor Hall, Athens, Ohio 45701.