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In this Article

• What is sick building syndrome, or multiple chemical sensitivity?
• Why is sick building syndrome controversial?
• How common is sick building syndrome?
• What causes sick building syndrome?
• How is sick building syndrome diagnosed and treated?
• Sick building syndrome and working with a doctor
• Sick Building Syndrome Index

There are no reliable established tests to help diagnose MCS and there are no effective or proven treatments. It is also unknown whether MCS can be prevented. Some doctors prescribe antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Celexa, Luvox, Paxil, and Prozac. Other people find that medicines for anxiety and sleep help. Treating specific symptoms -- such as headaches -- may also have a benefit.

People often find solutions on their own. Some learn from experience that certain foods or chemicals seem to make their symptoms worse. Avoiding those chemicals or foods may help. Yet extremely restrictive diets, rigorously avoiding exposure to allergens and pollutants, or quitting a job can impose serious burdens on your life.

People with these symptoms are often terribly distressed and desperate to find relief.

There are no proven ways to determine or treat this illness. Before you spend time and money getting specialized treatment -- or working with an environmental contractor renovating your house to remove possible triggers -- consider that we don't have good evidence that these approaches have medical benefits. Unproven treatments always have the potential to do more harm than good.

You need to work with a doctor whom you trust. Both you and your doctor should be cautious but keep an open mind about all the possible causes of your symptoms and the many possible treatments. Working together, you can find a safe way to get relief from your symptoms.

WebMD Medical Reference

SOURCES:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: "Position Statement: Idiopathic environmental intolerances."

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: "Chemical Sensitivities."

Black, D. Archives of Internal Medicine, April 24, 2000; vol 160: pp 1169-1176.

United States Department of Labor: Office of Safety and Health Administration: "Multiple Chemical Sensitivities."

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on June 03, 2011

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