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Bray R, Wang Y, Argiropoulos N, Robins S, Molot J, Pigeon MA, Gaudet M, Auger P, Bélanger E, Peris R. The Impact of COVID-19 Health Measures on Adults With Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e48434. [PMID: 39018551 DOI: 10.2196/48434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) develops in response to repeated small-level chemical exposures or a major exposure in a subset of people, who then experience symptoms that can range from mild to debilitating when exposed to chemicals. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and the stringent health measures put in place may have increased the burden for those living with MCS, as it became more challenging to avoid chemicals that trigger their condition. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to better understand the lived experience of Canadians living with MCS during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS An online questionnaire was created to ask participants to compare daily living during the pandemic to before March 11, 2020. Data were collected in January and February 2021. Three areas were investigated: (1) environmental exposures to chemical triggers from ambient air (pollution from industry, farming, and traffic) and indoor air (the smell of cleaning products, cooking odors, and smoke); (2) access to, and satisfaction with, health care visits; and (3) how people experiencing MCS rated contact with their social network. RESULTS In all, 119 Canadians who had lived with MCS for more than a year completed the questionnaire. The participant sample was mostly female (86.6%, n=103) and highly educated, with 57.1% (n=68) having a university degree. Slightly more than half (57.1%, n=68) were older than 55 years. McNemar chi-square and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to evaluate if there were statistically significant changes before ("prepandemic period") and after ("postpandemic period") March 11, 2020. Perceived exposure to pollution from a highway or a road was significantly decreased from the prepandemic to postpandemic period (z=-3.347; P<.001). Analysis of industry or power plants also suggested a significant decrease in the perceived exposure from the prepandemic to postpandemic period (z=-2.152; P=.04). Participants reported an increase in exposure to odors from disinfectants or sanitizers that entered their living environment (P<.001). There was a significant decrease between prepandemic and postpandemic levels of satisfaction when attending in-person meetings with a physician (z=-2.048; P=.04), yet there were no significant differences between prepandemic and postpandemic levels of satisfaction for online or telephone meetings with a physician. Although people with MCS experienced increased social isolation (P<.001), they also reported an increase in understanding from family (P=.03) and a decrease in stigma for wearing personal protective equipment (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, people with MCS were impacted by inaccessibility, loss of social support, and barriers to accessing health care. This study highlights unique challenges and possible benefits associated with the COVID-19 pandemic public health measures for individuals living with MCS. These findings can guide decision makers to improve policies on accessibility through appropriate accommodation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riina Bray
- Environmental Health Clinic, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yifan Wang
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - Nikolas Argiropoulos
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - Stephanie Robins
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - John Molot
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marie-Andrée Pigeon
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Gaudet
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Auger
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - Emilie Bélanger
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - Rohini Peris
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
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Poirier AC, Melin AD. Smell throughout the life course. Evol Anthropol 2024:e22030. [PMID: 38704704 DOI: 10.1002/evan.22030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The sense of smell is an important mediator of health and sociality at all stages of life, yet it has received limited attention in our lineage. Olfaction starts in utero and participates in the establishment of social bonds in children, and of romantic and sexual relationships after puberty. Smell further plays a key role in food assessment and danger avoidance; in modern societies, it also guides our consumer behavior. Sensory abilities typically decrease with age and can be impacted by diseases, with repercussions on health and well-being. Here, we critically review our current understanding of human olfactory communication to refute outdated notions that our sense of smell is of low importance. We provide a summary of the biology of olfaction, give a prospective overview of the importance of the sense of smell throughout the life course, and conclude with an outline of the limitations and future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice C Poirier
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amanda D Melin
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Molot J, Sears M, Anisman H. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: It's time to catch up to the science. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 151:105227. [PMID: 37172924 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a complex medical condition associated with low dose chemical exposures. MCS is characterized by diverse features and common comorbidities, including fibromyalgia, cough hypersensitivity, asthma, and migraine, and stress/anxiety, with which the syndrome shares numerous neurobiological processes and altered functioning within diverse brain regions. Predictive factors linked to MCS comprise genetic influences, gene-environment interactions, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, cell dysfunction, and psychosocial influences. The development of MCS may be attributed to the sensitization of transient receptor potential (TRP) receptors, notably TRPV1 and TRPA1. Capsaicin inhalation challenge studies demonstrated that TRPV1 sensitization is manifested in MCS, and functional brain imaging studies revealed that TRPV1 and TRPA1 agonists promote brain-region specific neuronal variations. Unfortunately, MCS has often been inappropriately viewed as stemming exclusively from psychological disturbances, which has fostered patients being stigmatized and ostracized, and often being denied accommodation for their disability. Evidence-based education is essential to provide appropriate support and advocacy. Greater recognition of receptor-mediated biological mechanisms should be incorporated in laws, and regulation of environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Molot
- Family Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa ON Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa Canada.
| | - Margaret Sears
- Family Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa ON Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa Canada.
| | - Hymie Anisman
- Family Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa ON Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa Canada.
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Fares-Medina S, Díaz-Caro I, García-Montes R, Corral-Liria I, García-Gómez-Heras S. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome: First Symptoms and Evolution of the Clinical Picture: Case-Control Study/Epidemiological Case-Control Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15891. [PMID: 36497963 PMCID: PMC9737200 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition characterized by the appearance of symptoms caused by exposure to chemical compounds that are tolerable for the general population. It mainly affects middle-aged women. There are very few studies focusing on the most frequent symptoms of MCS considering age groups and gender. The main goal of this study was to find the most frequent symptoms both at the onset of the disease and at the present time describing them by age groups. The QEESI (Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory) questionnaire, Scale 3 which assesses symptoms and their severity, was used as a diagnostic tool for the disease. A case-control study was conducted with the participation of 210 people. Of the cases, 94.3% were women. The symptoms that most often manifested first were airway and mucous membrane alterations (68.9%). In the development of the disease, we found cognitive alterations (OR = 31.25), heart or chest problems (OR = 22.49), neuromuscular problems (OR = 20.00) and head-related symptomatology (OR = 19.29). Identifying the most frequent pattern of symptoms by age group and sex will allow an early diagnosis of the disease to improve its prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Fares-Medina
- Student International Doctoral School, Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rebeca García-Montes
- Student International Doctoral School, Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain
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Villar-Martinez MD, Goadsby PJ. Pathophysiology and Therapy of Associated Features of Migraine. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172767. [PMID: 36078174 PMCID: PMC9455236 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a complex and debilitating disorder that is broadly recognised by its characteristic headache. However, given the wide array of clinical presentations in migraineurs, the headache might not represent the main troublesome symptom and it can even go unnoticed. Understanding migraines exclusively as a pain process is simplistic and certainly hinders management. We describe the mechanisms behind some of the most disabling associated symptoms of migraine, including the relationship between the central and peripheral processes that take part in nausea, osmophobia, phonophobia, vertigo and allodynia. The rationale for the efficacy of the current therapeutic arsenal is also depicted in this article. The associated symptoms to migraine, apart from the painful component, are frequent, under-recognised and can be more deleterious than the headache itself. The clinical anamnesis of a headache patient should enquire about the associated symptoms, and treatment should be considered and individualised. Acknowledging the associated symptoms as a fundamental part of migraine has permitted a deeper and more coherent comprehension of the pathophysiology of migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dolores Villar-Martinez
- Headache Group, Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
- NIHR King’s Clinical Research Facility, SLaM Biomedical Research Centre, King’s College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Peter J. Goadsby
- Headache Group, Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
- NIHR King’s Clinical Research Facility, SLaM Biomedical Research Centre, King’s College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence:
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Gajebasia S, Butt S, Affleck A. Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity during the Covid-19 pandemic: a patient's perspective. Clin Exp Dermatol 2022; 47:963-964. [PMID: 35019158 DOI: 10.1111/ced.15098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sareena Gajebasia
- Department of Dermatology, Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside, James Arrott Drive, Dundee, DD1 9SY
| | - Sanaa Butt
- Department of Dermatology, Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside, James Arrott Drive, Dundee, DD1 9SY
| | - Aandrew Affleck
- Department of Dermatology, Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside, James Arrott Drive, Dundee, DD1 9SY
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Mosca A, Del Casale A, Borro M, Gentile G, Pomes LM, Padovano A, Fiaschè F, Pinzone V, Rapinesi C, Zoppi T, Brugnoli R, Sani G, Kotzalidis GD, Girardi P, Ferracuti S, Simmaco M, Pompili M. PON1 polymorphisms can predict generalized anxiety and depressed mood in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity. Per Med 2021; 18:255-267. [PMID: 33728967 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2019-0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition with somatic, cognitive and affective symptoms that follow contact with chemical agents at usually non toxic concentrations. We aimed to assess the role of genetic polymorphisms involved in oxidative stress on anxiety and depression in MCS. Materials & methods: Our study investigated the CAT rs1001179, MPO rs2333227, PON1 rs662 and PON1 rs705379 polymorphisms in MCS. Results: The AG genotype of the PON1 rs662 and the TT and CT genotypes of the PON1 rs705379 were involved in anxiety and depression. Discussion: These results are in line with existing evidence of PON1 involvement in MCS and suggest a further role of this gene in the exhibition of anxiety and depression in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic & Clinical Psychology, & Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Borro
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Laboratory & Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Gentile
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Laboratory & Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Leda Marina Pomes
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Laboratory & Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Padovano
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Fiaschè
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Vito Pinzone
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Rapinesi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Teodolinda Zoppi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Brugnoli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Institute of Psychiatry & Psychology, Department of Geriatrics, Neuroscience & Orthopedics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS "A. Gemelli", Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios Demetrios Kotzalidis
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Girardi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University; Unit of Risk Management, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Simmaco
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Laboratory & Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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