Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0012833 (dizziness)
 9,689 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The authors report an episode of mass psychogenic illness exacerbating respiratory symptoms in military recruits. The epidemic occurred over a 10- to 12-hour period in September 1988, in a group initially complaining of cough and pleuritic chest pain. More than 1,800 men were evacuated from their barracks because of a suspected toxic gaseous exposure. Approximately 1,000 recruits developed at least one new symptom, 375 were evacuated by ambulance to receive further medical evaluation, and at least eight were hospitalized. Air sample testing from the area was unremarkable, and there were few abnormal physical examination or laboratory findings. The epidemiologic investigation included a questionnaire administered 2 weeks after the epidemic to 1,000 of the recruits involved. A total of 55% of those who completed the questionnaire reported the onset of at least one new symptom after supper, with at least 25% reporting the new onset of cough, light-headedness, chest pain, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, or dizziness. A total of 18% received further medical evaluation. The development of new symptoms and the receipt of further medical evaluation were associated with evidence of physical stress, mental stress, and awareness of rumors of odors, gases, and/or smoke. This epidemic was unique because of its size and its occurrence in an all-male population.
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PMID:An epidemic of respiratory complaints exacerbated by mass psychogenic illness in a military recruit population. 226 May 44

Twelve people working next to a chemical plant noted an emission of 2 h. Nine patients complained of a variety of symptoms, including 3 who had pleuritic chest pain, 2 with chest tightness, 2 with vague chest discomfort, 3 with eye irritation, 2 with dizziness, 1 with light-headedness, 1 with cough and 1 with an acidic taste in the mouth associated with nasal irritation. Pulmonary function was 100% of predicted in 5; 77.4, 85.7, 95.7, and 96.7% of predicted in the other 4. Three of the 4 with initial decreased FEV1's (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) improved. At follow-up, 1 had burning sensation of the tongue and mouth; a second noted burning sensation of his throat, tip of his tongue, and nostrils; and a third had superficial exfoliative-type lesions at the junction of her forehead and scalp. Two complained of continuous pleuritic chest pain. Sulfur trioxide exposure caused self-limited irritant effects.
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PMID:A hazardous material episode: sulfur trioxide. 843 50