I have found that pure oxygen, that is doctor prescribed, really helps when I am exposed. It calms me down, so that I don't panic as much. It helps with tachycardia and palpitations from exposures. One does not want to rely on the oxygen too much, because it may also cause inflammation. It takes 2-3 days to recover from its use, but it is necessary for me.
Also, cotton and activated carbon masks help. I find the activated carbon masks necessary. I wear masks 24 hours a day, have been for the last year and a half. Even though they smell weird, and at times I have reactions to them, I place an additional cotton mask inside. This makes it slightly difficult to breathe, however, if you are not exercising or moving around too much, it is wearable.
Also, for myself, Klonopin and Xanax have helped during high exposure episodes, and I feel less panicky. I take Allegra, on a daily basis, since I have other IGE.mediated allergies, which came to the forefront after my "sick building" exposure, that caused my MCS. The Xopanex and Atravan (ipratropium bromide) are for breathing difficulty and tightness in the chest. I take them as needed. I also use Advair because of the asthma that exposures cause me. Advair helps a lot. I usually take it everyday, but with strict avoidance, I seem to need it less and less.
Prayer, hope, and loving support, both giving and receiving helps me too.
May 2004
Editor's Note: If you are MCS and considering the use of any drug, please be aware that most are toxic, can create serious side effects, and add to the total body burden. Preservative-free antigen therapy is an effective way to deal with many reactions, though the improvement of symptoms are gradual, and often occur over a long period of time. The following referral agencies have some doctors trained in these methods. The patient is advised to inquire, as all doctors do not include preservative-free antigens in their treatment. For anxiety, herbs like Kava Kava can be effective substitutes for drugs. Standardized herbs assure there is a consistent level of the active ingredient present.