I recently read about a hypothesis of hydrogen sulfide exposure causing chronic fatigue. This theory suggests that exposure to the chemical hydrogen sulfide(H2S) is causing mitochondrial dysfunction in patients and leading to a state of low energy production.
Hydrogen sulfide is found naturally in the body (in small amounts), but also found in the environment in sewers and car exhaust. At high levels it is extremely toxic, but at lower levels it actually functions as a signaling molecule that can influence blood pressure, the HPA axis, and the NMDA receptor.
Recent studies have shown that at lower doses, hydrogen sulfide can put the body into low energy state (almost like hibernation) where levels of metabolism, respiration, and heart rate are decreased. The ability of the mitrochondria to produce ATP can be dramatically reduced. At low levels of exposure, hydrogen sulfide can cause this low energy state along with increased levels of free radicals.
One way that people can be exposed to toxic levels of hydrogen sulfide is through increased levels of bacteria that produce H2S as a side effect of their metabolism of sulfur. Bacteria in the intestines can produce hydrogen sulfide use it as alternative to oxygen in anerobic situations. Another way that the body can be exposed to increased levels is if there is an issue with the metabolic cycle that removes it from the body.
Some symptoms for Hydrogen Sulfide toxicity include: headaches, fatigue, confusion, vertigo, nausea, etc. [Emedicine.com]
While researching this i found a comment by Dr. Trevor Marshall, in reaction to this theory stating that, “Chronic fatigue syndrome is NOT caused by dysregulation of hydrogen sulfide metabolism”. So, like most theories of CFS, there are many differing viewpoints. There is a new paper that advocates this theory, but i’m sure there are many in the medical community that would disagree with it.
I was exposed to multiple gassings in the office by what was described by the gas-detection service as most likely hydrogen sulfide. Cause was probably the dry sewerage u-bends, and of course the utter failure of HR to act promptly. Strong sulphur odour, coughing, eyes stinging, nauseous for over 1 hour. The gassing continued for approx 2 months, intermittently. Then I experienced a viral infection, acute fevers for about 2 weeks, and finally chronic fatigue syndrome was diagnosed. While I can’t prove a causal link between the gasssings and CFS, based on the lack of definitive evidence on the pathophysiology of the illness and the effect of the gas; it would be unreasonable for anyone (particularly with medical training) to assert there is no link. I would doubt the gassing provided my body with any positive outcomes. Several years later, and still with CFS I am quite open to being proved utterly wrong.
I too was exposed to that rotten egg smell where I worked for two years. I experienced eye burning and tongue tingling and just a fuzzy head feeling by the end of the day. I do not think the doctors know much about exposure to this. One intern told me that it has not been studied so they do not know a lot about exposure to that. Did you experience tongue tingling too? It felt like someone poured acid on the tip of my tongue.
thanks
Hi Sue,
Yes, I did have tingling on my tongue, strong enough to know something was wrong, but not at all like an acid burn. It was more of an “OMG, what is happening to me?”. I forgot to include this. My brain is not what it was…..
My wife and I have been exposed for 18 months to Hydrogen Sulfide. Most of the symptoms you describe are suttle, and only the beginning. Dimensia, brain damage, loss of vocal abilities, burning headaches, full ataxia and death follow. Death was the only step I missed. The source is a sewer pumping station and the Government is covering it up. Many of the unexplained neuro diseases of our time can most likely be traced to our sewage systems, but it keeps the general population unable to rebel. To cover it up they call it a smell problem, not a poison. An odor problem, not a poison. The truth is, it may be the source of dimensia, Alzheimers, parkinson’s, MS, and even autisum. Now you know why they want to cover it up.
Hi John and Rct
DId you fully recover. How about the tingly tongue? Did it go away. I seem to be chemically sensitive to any petroleum based products. The latest doctor I have seen says that I have defintely been poisoned. How did you all get it out of your body?
Thank you,
Sue
Sue-
The nerves die. The sweetness to your voice dies. We will probably will never speak in the same manner. Notice is is difficult to swallow as well. This is just one of many symptoms from the broad spectrum poison, Hydrogen Sulfide. This entire thing is being covered up by the petrol, food processing, sewage and other industries.
John,
I have noticed that it is harder to swallow. Also feels like I am choking sometimes. I bought an H2S detector and it read 1ppm inside my home twice the last two weeks. Is this high? A doctor told me it would not hurt me. I do live close 1/4 mile from several (15) oil tank batteries and 4 oil well pumps. I wonder if the gases from these are getting into my home. Could the gases get into the ductwork of my air conditioning and heating systems. I just am not getting better since the sewer gas exposure in my workplace, so I wondered if the oil wells were keeping me from recovering. Or I fear, are these symptoms permanent.
Sue
its interesting about CFS and H2S, b/c I had the disease recovered then relapsed, with the relapse my urine stunk like methane, rotten eggs for about 2 months at the start of bout 2, and I do noticed that when I eat meat, milk or chocalate my NS symptoms become worse. Their is definately something with H2S going on, whether it is the cause ?, I learn towards the body shutting down, when it perceives a major threat controlled by the brain ( amgydala overactive ) creating a hibernation state, gut toxicity follows with chronic fermantation b/c its slowed ( producing what Dr.DeM finds. Whether H2S comes at the start or the conclusion it plays a large role.