Doctor's Notes on Sick Building Syndrome
Sick building syndrome is a condition that occurs when a number of a building's occupants have a group of nonspecific symptoms without an identifiable cause. Symptoms occur when people are in the building and resolve when people are not in the building.
Sick building syndrome should not be confused with building-related diseases, which can be traced back to a specific cause that may include allergies to mold found in a building, bacterial infections related to contaminated cooling towers, or cancers from prolonged exposure to carcinogens.
Symptoms of sick building syndrome may include:
- nausea,
- irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat,
- mental fatigue,
- difficulty concentrating,
- headaches,
- skin irritation, and
- dizziness.
What Is the Treatment for Sick Building Syndrome?
There is no known treatment for this condition. Avoidance and elimination of the underlying causes of the problem, to the extent possible, may help relieve symptoms. Otherwise, treatments for sick building syndrome are aimed at managing symptoms and may include:
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Dizziness
Dizziness may be a minor problem, or could be something life-threatening. Causes of dizziness include high blood pressure, low blood pressure, heart problems, conditions of the brain, medications, metabolic conditions, aging, other illnesses or conditions, or psychiatric conditions. Treatment depends upon the cause of the dizziness. -
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common health complaint by individuals. Fatigue is also referred to as feeling weary, tired, exhausted, lethargic, and a lack of energy. There are several causes of fatigue from sleep disturbances to some diseases or conditions. Treatment of fatigue is generally directed toward the condition or disease causing fatigue. -
Headache (Mild)
What causes headaches? Even when mild, headaches can be a cause for concern. Learn about potential causes, types, home remedies, and treatment. -
Smoking (Cigarette)
Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of death and illness among Americans. Effects of smoking can cause cancers, emphysema, bronchitis, COPD, chronic cough, and more. Smoking cessation includes nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral therapy. -
Vomiting and Nausea
Vomiting and nausea are common complaints that accompany many conditions and diseases. A few common causes of vomiting and nausea include food poisoning, viruses, vertigo, head injuries, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, migraine, brain tumors, and infections. Treatment of vomiting and nausea depend on the cause of the symptoms.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.