J. Krop, CHEMICAL-SENSITIVITY AFTER INTOXICATION AT WORK WITH SOLVENTS - RESPONSE TO SAUNA THERAPY, The journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 4(1), 1998, pp. 77-86
Objectives: The purpose of this case study is twofold. One, to illustr
ate a simple method of detoxification using heat chamber depuration (s
auna). Second, to raise awareness in the practice of medicine of the i
mportance of taking an environmentally oriented history. Subject: A pa
tient with a chronic, debilitating multisystem disorder of 20-years' d
uration related to a chemical sensitivity resulting from low-level exp
osure to toxic chemicals (solvents) at work. Interventions: Detoxifica
tion treatment consisted of heat chamber depuration (sauna) together w
ith a specific protocol of oral and intravenous therapy. Appropriate a
dvice was offered related to choosing a safe and suitable workplace. O
utcome Measures: Observation of the dynamic interaction and eliminatio
n of chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons (solvents) from the patient
's bloodstream and related clinical improvement during the course of t
reatment. Results: The patient was able to discontinue, without ill ef
fect, all medications previously prescribed to treat her symptoms. Hea
t chamber depuration (sauna) detoxification treatment brought substant
ial release of symptoms and returned the individual to gainful employm
ent. Conclusion: The connection between symptoms of chronic degenerati
ve diseases and environmental and/or nutritional factors is missed in
many cases due to lack of obtaining an environmentally oriented medica
l history. Taking such a history and dealing with the cause of illness
using avoidance and/or appropriate therapy is preventive and cost-eff
ective for both the patient and society.