Can paint fumes aggravate breathing issues in MS?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I have never traveled to a foreign country. I have been unprotected from paint chemicals for over a year. I use a mask that was not National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved. A test shows that 36 pounds of chemicals have been inhaled (like I was inhaling drugs). That is from the paint spray itself. I would see things that were not there. I experience numbness and tingling in the right side of the face, the bottom of the right hand, and the right foot. I also have shortness of breath. I highly believe this is a case of multiple sclerosis symptoms. I know it is uncommon, but can a certain spray chemical give this symptom? I do not want to be misdiagnosed, I have got kids, my health and life depend on it.

Kindly guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerves). The immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the protective coating around the nerves. The cause of MS is still not known; it is believed that several different factors may be involved. Mainly immune-mediated, but genetic and some environmental factors have a role. However, some studies have claimed to have a relation between MS and some substances used in paints, etc. But not as a spray substance. Otherwise, these studies also do not give a strong scientific basis. These are simple reports that need to be confirmed further before reaching a conclusion. Long contact with some paints can cause neurological symptoms and numbness. But mostly it is reversible.

Coming to your problem, you have written I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. If it is by a competent specialist, then I will not comment on the diagnosis. What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) results? Anyway, it can only be judged along with physical examination, signs and symptoms. But some of the symptoms are fatigue progressively leading to activity limitation, numbness, weakness, walking difficulty, vision problems, urinary problems, bowel problems, cognitive, emotional and depressive changes, and respiratory problems if the chest muscles weaken as you have apprehension about painting work so the best option for you is to search for some other job even if it is not proved that inhalation of painting is a cause of MS.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.