Allergies & Environmentally Triggered Illness

This is a controversial area. Many professionals still believe it is bogus and really a "psychosomatic" problem, in other words, "all in your head". I am not referring here to those who have fairly common allergies and who suffer through their breathing, irritated skin and resulting fatigue and sense of demoralization. I am referring to a more specific group whose "allergic" symptoms are in the areas of disturbances of mood, thinking and/or behavior.

Nevertheless, over the years, I have seen several children and adults with symptoms that appear very much like ADD/ADHD or a Mood Disorder (Bipolar). They all have one thing in common - a clear history of allergic reactions to multiple things. The allergens range from typical pollens, molds, pet hair, dander, dust, etc., to house-hold chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, to various foods and/or food additives (preservatives, colorings), to other naturally and artificially occurring environmental chemical compounds. The list is staggering.

Also, the vast majority of these individuals have histories of multiple medical evaluations for their various symptoms with minimal or no real clear diagnosis. And, usually no truly effective treatment. Although they may "fit" the profile for ADHD or Bipolar Disorder, the "fit" is usually non-typical. For example, the child who appears "very" ADHD but who has tried most of the ADHD medications with little or no benefits, or significant side effects. Another example is the person who also appears "very" Bipolar who after multiple trials of various medications is only able to obtain partial symptom relief. Many of these folks, I might add, have also tried herbal, botanical, homeopathic, and other vitamin/mineral/amino-acid supplements, to no avail!

As an open-minded clinician, and as witness to clients who have benefited from treatment by Environmental Medicine physicians, I have become a believer. My belief being that there is a group of individuals who do have Environmentally Triggered symptoms that affect their mood, thinking and behavior.

Symptoms of Environmental Illness

Environmental illness is difficult to diagnose and most doctors do not even know what to look for. In addition to the typical allergy symptoms of asthma, congestion, intestinal and skin problems, the symptoms of environmental illness may include a long list of other perplexing problems. One or more of the following symptoms may be present:

puffiness under the eyes                                dark eye circles

nose-rubbing                                                allergic eye wrinkles

red earlobes                                                 red Cheeks

spacey "out-of-it" look                                   glassy, glazed eyes

eczema or atopic dermatitis                            hives or other rashes

skin scratching                                              wiggly legs

dramatic change in writing                              change in speech

increased pulse                                            change in breathing

increased fatigue                                          headaches

asthma                                                        throat clearing and clucking

pain in muscles, legs or joints                         abdominal pain, gas

nausea, diarrhea, constipation                        bladder problems

ear inflammation or chronic ear infections        hearing problems

sinusitis                                                       food cravings

bad breath                                                   facial tic

twitches                                                       moodiness

depression                                                   irritability

hyperactivity                                                 withdrawal

aggression                                                   focus, memory or learning problems

Many doctors do not even consider chemicals, foods or other allergens as a possible cause of a child’s problem. These are the children that can be easily misdiagnosed with ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, a learning disability, etc. This could set up a child for endless medications and struggle.

Detecting the Source of Environmental Illness

The most inexpensive and fast way to pinpoint exactly what is causing your child’s problem is the following: This involves comparing five variables before and after an exposure. Changes in a child’s behavior, appearance or physiology should alert parents that something has gone wrong. The key question to ask is: What was smelled, eaten or touched just before some change became evident? Compare these five variables before and then ten to sixty minutes after an exposure. Food reactions could take fifteen to sixty minutes to become apparent. A reaction to dust or molds can occur within an hour.

1. How does my child feel, behave, and remember?

2. How does my child look?

3. Is there any handwriting or drawing change?

4. Is there asthma or a breathing problem present?*

5. Is there a change in the pulse rate or rhythm?**

* Use a Peak Flow Meter if wheezing is a problem. Note a drop of over 10 to 15 percent

** Check for a pulse increase over 20 beats per minute or a change in pulse rhythm.

Treatments and Solutions

Treatments may include avoidance, allergy diets, allergy extract treatment, improved nutrition, detoxification, psychological counseling and family support. The specific diagnostic evaluation and treatment that each child may need should be highly individualized.

Resources for Further Exploration