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Chemosensory function and response in idiopathic environmental intolerance.
Occupational Medicine (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|July 21, 2000
Summary
Idiopathic environmental intolerances (IEI) patients show normal or reduced sensitivity to odors objectively. Their heightened sensitivity appears linked to cognitive processing and nonsensory factors, not actual olfactory function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Environmental Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Idiopathic Environmental Intolerances (IEI) are characterized by self-reported heightened sensitivity to environmental chemicals.
- The role of chemosensory function in IEI remains a subject of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on olfactory and trigeminal chemosensory function in IEI.
- To explore the contribution of cognitive and nonsensory factors to IEI symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of psychophysical and electrophysiological studies on IEI patients.
- Analysis of research on sensitivity, bias, and cognitive processing in chemosensation.
Main Results:
- Objective measures show IEI patients have normal or reduced olfactory sensitivity compared to controls.
- Nonsensory factors like attention and personality significantly influence perceived chemical sensitivity in IEI.
- Cognitive processing alterations appear central to IEI, rather than sensory deficits.
Conclusions:
- IEI symptoms may stem primarily from cognitive and nonsensory influences on odor perception.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective management strategies for IEI.