Idiopathic environmental intolerance involves a wide variety of intermittent symptoms that seem to be triggered by exposure to low levels of several identifiable or unidentifiable substances commonly present in the environment or sometimes to electromagnetic fields.
Symptoms may include rapid heart rate, chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, fatigue, flushing, and dizziness.
Tests may be done to rule out allergic disorders as causes of the symptoms.
Treatment may involve psychotherapy, avoidance of certain substances, or both.
Idiopathic environmental intolerance is usually defined as the development of multiple symptoms that may be caused by exposure to any number of identifiable or unidentifiable chemical substances (inhaled, touched, or ingested) or exposure to electromagnetic fields in a person who has no detectable organ dysfunction or related physical abnormalities.
Idiopathic environmental intolerance is more common among women than men. In addition, 40% of people with chronic fatigue syndrome (also called systemic exertion intolerance disease or myalgic encephalitis) and 16% of people with fibromyalgia also have idiopathic environmental intolerance.
Symptoms do not always occur after a person is exposed to a substance, even at levels higher than those that previously seemed to cause symptoms. Also, blood tests do not consistently show activation of the person's immune system. Thus, some doctors consider idiopathic environmental intolerance to have a psychological cause, probably a type of somatic symptom disorder or an anxiety disorder similar to agoraphobia (fear of going out in public) or a panic attack. Others do believe the disorder may be a type of allergic reaction because some people do have various changes in their immune system (although this is rare). However, there is no consistent pattern of such changes among people who have this syndrome, and the cause remains unknown.
Symptoms of Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance
Some people with idiopathic environmental intolerance start having symptoms after a single exposure to high levels of various toxic substances. People may attribute their symptoms to exposure to these substances, but evidence is usually lacking.
Symptoms may include a rapid heart rate, chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, fatigue, flushing, dizziness, nausea, choking, trembling, numbness, coughing, hoarseness, and difficulty concentrating.
Commonly reported triggers for idiopathic environmental intolerance include
Alcohol and drugs
Caffeine and food additives
Carpet and furniture odors
Fuel odors and engine exhaust
Painting materials
Perfume and other scented products
Pesticides and herbicides
Mobile telecommunication devices
Diagnosis of Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance
Doctors suspect idiopathic environmental intolerance if the person's symptoms
Recur after repeated exposure to a specific chemical substance
Recur after exposure to levels much lower than those that have been tolerated previously or that are commonly tolerated by others
Subside when the person leaves the offending environment
Develop in response to a wide variety of unrelated chemical substances
If a person's symptoms suggest idiopathic environmental intolerance, doctors try to identify possible causes of the symptoms, including other disorders. For example, symptoms could be caused by building-related illnesses, allergic disorders, some autoimmune disorders, or psychological disorders. Depending on the person's symptoms and the findings during the physical examination, additional tests or assessments may be helpful. For example, blood and skin prick tests may be done to diagnose allergic disorders, or, if depression or anxiety seems possible, evaluation by a psychiatrist may help.
Treatment of Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance
Avoidance of suspected triggers
Sometimes psychotherapy
People with idiopathic environmental intolerance may try avoiding the toxic substances thought to cause their symptoms. However, avoidance may be difficult because many of these substances are widespread. Also, the substances being avoided may not be the true cause of symptoms, so avoidance may be ineffective.
People should avoid too much social isolation. Psychotherapy can sometimes be helpful. The aim of psychotherapy is not to suggest that the cause of idiopathic environmental intolerance is psychological. The aim, rather, is to enable people to cope with their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
