How AI Helps Doctors Identify Unusual Reactions to Everyday Chemicals
Russian researchers have developed a digital platform that helps identify multiple chemical sensitivity. The technology could support patients who have spent years feeling unwell after exposure to certain odors without being able to determine what is causing their symptoms.
Researchers at Kuban State Medical University under the Russian Ministry of Health have developed EcoMedic, a platform that organizes patients' reported symptoms, compares them with laboratory findings, and assesses the likelihood of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).
You Can Smell It, but You Cannot See It
Our lives are filled with all kinds of smells, some pleasant and others less so. For one person, a strong perfume may be a way to make an impression. For another, it can trigger shortness of breath and a headache. Beyond fragrances and cosmetics, people encounter household chemicals, finishing materials, vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions every day. Exposure to these substances makes many people feel unwell. Yet allergy testing does not always reveal an abnormality, leaving their symptoms unexplained.
How Does EcoMedic Work?
The AI-based platform combines information from several sources. A patient first completes a questionnaire, after which the system analyzes the responses alongside laboratory test results. An AI agent processes the information and identifies patterns that can be difficult to detect through conventional analysis when many variables are involved.
The platform also maintains medical records automatically, helps physicians prepare clinical assessments, and suggests options for the patient's continued care. AI will not, of course, replace an allergist. EcoMedic is designed to help the physician assess the patient's condition and select a course of treatment as quickly as possible.
Testing With Patients
The researchers evaluated the platform in a study involving 468 patients, including 232 men and 236 women.
A total of 211 participants scored above the questionnaire's threshold of 40 points, indicating elevated chemical sensitivity. Blood samples were then collected from patients with these scores, giving the researchers more information about their physical condition and helping determine the next steps in their care.
In the experiment, the model achieved 85% sensitivity and 91.4% specificity on the test dataset. This means the system can effectively identify patients showing signs of the condition while reducing the number of incorrect results.
Personalized Support
Unlike a conventional questionnaire, EcoMedic does more than collect a patient's complaints. It converts them into structured data that physicians can use, while one of its main advantages is the ability to account for each person's individual characteristics.
The developers say the platform's capabilities could be expanded in the future. Planned features include personalized nutrition and treatment recommendations, along with tools that allow patients to communicate promptly with healthcare professionals.
Benefits for Physicians and Patients
The challenge of diagnosing conditions associated with heightened sensitivity to chemicals is not limited to Russia. Patients in many countries face the same situation: they experience symptoms, but standard examinations fail to identify the cause. Daily life can then become a constant ordeal. People may withdraw from social contact and avoid ordinary household activities because they fear an episode of shortness of breath or a migraine. Once patients understand what triggers their reactions, however, they may be able to manage them through medication and lifestyle changes.
The developers estimate that the platform could benefit 30 million Russians affected by environmentally related illnesses. Krasnodar Region alone has around 1.2 million such patients. Meanwhile, the global digital health market is growing by 15% annually, and Russia's personalized medicine segment could reach RUB 10 billion (about $129 million) by 2030.
But EcoMedic also has potential beyond Russia. Digital diagnostic tools and clinical decision support technologies are in demand in many countries where personalized medicine is developing. Such platforms may be particularly valuable in nations with vast territories and uneven access to healthcare. Online tools can extend physicians' reach and help patients receive assistance sooner.
