CHEMICAL
SENSITIVITY
Call it sensitivity, call it allergy—regardless
of what you call it, it can be treated the same way as other allergies are
treated. Examples
of chemical sensitivity effects are coughing, headaches, difficulty
concentrating, rashes, nasal congestion, watery eyes and all the symptoms
usually associated with seasonal allergies.
Some examples of offending agents are perfumes, deodorants, hair sprays,
after shave lotions, scented candles, scented soaps, wood burning fireplaces,
upholstery, rugs, stay-pressed clothing, cleaning materials and many
petrochemical products.
Most of these items that cause chemical sensitivity have carbon in them,
which mean that they are organic
compounds. Organic
compounds are made up of straight chain atoms called aliphatic
compounds and compounds with a benzene ring are called aromatic compounds.
There are also sulfa, ammoniated and chlorinated compounds which may
cause allergic reactions.
Usually, the simplest form of these compounds can be used to effectively
treat individuals with chemical sensitivity in the same way that individuals
with pollen allergies are treated.
A solution can be made to protect these chemically sensitive patients
against these offending agents and eventually develop a tolerance to these
chemicals. A
neutralizing solution so dilute that it can be safely administered by an
injection or by drops under the tongue is prepared.
This latter method has the advantage of taking the drops with you and
taking extra drops when an offending chemical is encountered.
Since no refrigeration is required, they may be carried by the patient
and used when this occurs.