title: Nasal function in self-reported chemically intolerant individuals.
abstract: Nasal function has not yet been investigated under controlled exposures in individuals with self-reported Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (sMCS). Therefore, anterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry were applied in 12 individuals with sMCS, and 12 age-matched controls. The sMCS individuals and controls were selected on the basis of a standardized questionnaire. Controlled 4-hr exposures to ethylbenzene and 2-butanone were performed during 4 sessions. Exposures were close to the current German threshold limit values, and they approximated odor thresholds. Subjects with sMCS had a significant decrease in the flow value in anterior rhinomanometry, independent of substance and doses, compared with controls. This result suggests somatic reactions to the exposure. The result must be confirmed in additional studies, and pathophysiological examinations must be performed. For these investigations, anterior rhinomanometry was usable, but acoustic rhinometry can be recommended only after sufficient standardization has occurred. Furthermore, biochemical parameters of nasal mucosa must be considered.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Rhenish-Westphalian Technological University, Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Gerhard Andreas
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Wiesmüller
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Van Thriel
authors.forename: Achim
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Steup
authors.forename: Claus
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bachert
authors.forename: E N T
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Clinic
authors.forename: Meinolf
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blaszkewicz
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Golka
authors.forename: Ernst
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kiesswetter
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Seeber
mesh_terms: D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D001555:Benzene Derivatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002074:Butanones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009666:Nose / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D025363:Rhinomanometry / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D001555:Benzene Derivatives; D002074:Butanones; C005222:methylethyl ketone; C004912:ethylbenzene