Idiopathic environmental intolerance

[Cami]

Idiopathic environmental intolerance seems 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 are attributed to 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.
Some doctors consider idiopathic environmental intolerance to have a psychologic 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 believe the disorder may be a type of allergic reaction. Various changes in the immune system may occur (although rarely), supporting the idea of an allergic reaction in some people. However, there is no consistent pattern of such changes among people who have this syndrome, and the cause remains unknown.