Chemical sensitivity is an acquired disorder in which a specific set of diagnosable medical conditions involving the respiratory, cardiac, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, dermal, and nervous systems are exacerbated by exposure to chemicals found in the environment at levels that neither produce acute toxicity nor affect most individuals. An initiating exposure is often identified in association with the onset of disease. Neurogenic inflammation is a well-defined pathophysiological process in which chemical irritants trigger nerve fibers to release inflammatory mediators that lead to disease. The scientific evidence that neurogenic inflammation plays a role in chemical sensitivity is presented in this review article. Key Words: Neurogenic inflammation—Respiratory irritants—Chemical sensitivity—Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome—Allergy.
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