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Query: UMLS:C0016053 (fibromyalgia)
 4,687 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

This review starts with a clinical description of the most common unspecific environmental diseases, such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), Idiopathic Environmental Intolerances (IEI) and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). These syndromes are very controversial discussed between scientific medicine and "clinical ecology". In addition, they have fundamental similarities to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia. Finally the spectrum of therapeutic approaches is discussed.
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PMID:[The non-specific environmental syndromes MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity), IEI (Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance) and SBS (Sick Building Syndrome)]. 988 60

Ninety physicians practicing in the state of Virginia USA completed a mail survey regarding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Survey questions addressed demographics; familiarity with MCS; etiology; overlapping conditions; accommodations made for patients and practices regarding evaluation, treatment, and referral. A little over half of respondents were familiar with MCS. Under a third had received any medical training regarding chemical sensitivity, only 7% were "very satisfied" with their knowledge, and 6% had a treatment protocol for the condition. Participants cited a range of etiologies and overlapping conditions including asthma, Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS), Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), Chronic Fatigues Syndrome (CFS), and Fibromyalgia. Physicians infrequently considered chemicals as a cause of illness when seeing new patients. Evaluation techniques included interviews, blood work, immune profiles, and allergy testing. Interventions recommended included chemical avoidance, alterations in the home environment, diet restrictions, the use of air filters, and referrals to outside specialists.
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PMID:Physicians' perceptions and practices regarding patient reports of multiple chemical sensitivity. 2200 28

We present a description of the Central Sensitivity Syndrome (CSS) and some of its main components such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. We review the changes in pain perception, describing the physiology and pathophysiology of the painful experience from the medulla horn to the CNS. We explain the theory of central sensitization as the basis to the syndrome. We refer to the differences between fibromyalgia and depressive disorders, is spite of their frequent presentation in comorbidity. We state the main clinical and neurobiological differences. We point out the main psychoneuroimmunoendocrinologic differences such as adrenal activity (hypoactivity vs. hyperactivity, DST hypersuppressive response vs. DST non suppression, hypersensitivity of central glucocorticoid receptors vs. desensitization of these, among others), thyroid (probable reverse T3 vs. flat stimuli TSH response curve) and growth hormone secretion (probable increase vs. disruption of normal circadian rhythm) that makes CSS resemble PTSD. We describe differential changes in sleep patterns (alpha-delta intrusion vs. altered sleep time, REM latency, and stage 3/4) and immunological disturbances almost opposite in each pathological entity. We finally argue which medical specialty should treat these complex syndromes.
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PMID:[Conditions, controversies and contradictions between Central Sensitivity Syndrome and Depressive Disorders]. 2431 23

Purpose: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a condition principally suffered by women. As with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is usually included among the so called "contested illnesses", defined as illnesses whose cause, diagnosis, prevalence and even existence are subject to controversy. This article seeks to explore how women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity experience this contested illness, through their own descriptions of diagnostic processes, search for treatment and encounters with different health professionals. We aim to observe these experiences in detail and to identify aspects that could improve care for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity sufferers. Method: Qualitative design. We performed personal in-depth interviews, which were recorded and transcribed to conduct a qualitative content analysis supported by Atlas.ti-7. Subjects/Patients: 22 women diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Spain. Results: Two main categories were identified in the interviews: (1) unavoidable barriers: patients' exposure to chemicals and the absence of treatment, and (2) Skepticism on the part of care providers and lack of recognition in the process of diagnosis. Conclusion: Training and above all awareness raising strategies are needed to address health professionals' prejudices regarding the existence of contested illnesses such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. These prejudices hinder diagnosis and medical follow-up, and add negative emotions to the physical limitations already suffered by patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Multiple Chemical Sensitivity It is important to promote a compassionate and empathetic attitude among health providers, in order to avoid rejection and delegitimization of the experiences of women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity protocols should be developed and implemented to give skills to health professionals to assist patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. These protocols should include avoidance of exposure to chemicals present in healthcare facilities. Training programs for health providers should include not only knowledge, but awareness raising about the characteristics and severity of contested illnesses such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Health providers should avoid stigmatizing patients by psychologizing their symptoms and be aware of the existence of stereotypes regarding women suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.
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PMID:How do women suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity experience the medical encounter? a qualitative study in Spain. 3140 24