Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Research indicates that it is an under recognized contributor to neurologic and psychiatric symptoms, as well as multiple chemical sensitivities - Denise Clark
image by: Nicole Wicklund
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Experience: My hair nearly killed me
My hair was long and fair before it all fell out suddenly, along with my eyebrows and eyelashes, when I was just 20. In five days, it was reduced to just a few small patches. I felt I’d lost a lot of my femininity. You don’t realise how much hair changes the look of your face and your sense of identity. It happened because of a rare condition – mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) that meant that my body had rejected my hair follicles. The first signs of this syndrome started five years ago, when I was 18. I was out with friends at an event at Liverpool Docks and started to feel really unwell. I went to see a first aider, and the next thing I knew, I was being resuscitated in hospital. They…
Resources
Covid-19 hyperinflammation and post-Covid-19 illness may be rooted in mast cell activation syndrome
One-fifth of Covid-19 patients suffer a severe course of Covid-19 infection; however, the specific causes remain unclear. Mast cells (MCs) are activated by SARS-CoV-2. Although only recently recognized, MC activation syndrome (MCAS), usually due to acquired MC clonality, is a chronic multisystem disorder with inflammatory and allergic themes, and an estimated prevalence of 17%. This paper describes a novel conjecture explaining how MCAS might cause a propensity for severe acute Covid-19 infection and chronic post-Covid-19 illnesses.
Mast Cell Activation Disorder – Yes, It’s Real
Mast Cell Activation Disorder is real, but there are a large number of fake diagnoses out there. How do you tell the difference?
Recent advances in our understanding of mast cell activation – or should it be mast cell mediator disorders?
This topic is quite confusing because of the use of different terminology by various specialists and consensus groups. For instance, the terms ‘mast cell diseases,’ ‘mast cell disorders,’ and ‘mast cell syndromes’ are often used interchangeably. In this review, the term ‘mast cell disorders’ is used as it includes many variants or subtypes.
Is Your Histamine Intolerance Actually Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?
Histamine intolerance is actually a subset of MCAS. If you’ve discovered you’re histamine intolerant or recently received a diagnosis, you should also be tested for MCAS.
Mast Cell Activation
A large number of mast cell activation disorder patients carry a concurrent diagnosis of Dysautonomia, a collection of conditions associated with dysfunction of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).
Mast cell activation disease: a concise practical guide for diagnostic workup and therapeutic options
MCAD comprises disorders affecting functions in potentially every organ system by abnormal release of mediators from and/or accumulation of genetically altered mast cells. There is evidence that MCAD is a disorder with considerable prevalence and thus should be considered routinely in the differential diagnosis of patients with chronic multisystem polymorbidity of unknown cause. In most cases of MCAD, diagnosis is possible by relatively non-invasive investigation.
She Wasn’t Exposed to Nuts. Why Was She Going Into Anaphylactic Shock?
To test his theory, Benson explained to the patient, right after her next attack she needed to get her blood tested for the two most important chemicals in the mast-cell armamentarium: histamine and tryptase. If she had a mast-cell disorder, these would be sky-high.
Experience: My hair nearly killed me
It took more than two years to get diagnosed. I’ve probably had around at least 500 life-threatening allergic reactions since then. MCAS was first recognised as a condition in 2007. It means that white blood cells in my body are faulty.
Mast Cell Action
The founders and trustees of Mast Cell Action are united in our common vision to provide support, raise awareness, and help advance the diagnosis and treatment of MCAS. Our objective is to build an organisation that gives a voice to patients, supports doctors, and informs policy-makers about this condition.
Mast Cell Disease Society
The Mast Cell Disease Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing multi-faceted support to patients, families and medical professionals in our community and to leading the advancement of knowledge and research in mast cell diseases through education, advocacy and collaboration.
Mast Cell Disorder Support Network
Support Community for Mast Cell Disorders.
Ticked Off Mast Cells
A mast cell & tick-borne disease resource organization.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
MCAS is a condition in which the patient experiences repeated episodes of the symptoms of anaphylaxis – allergic symptoms such as hives, swelling, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and severe diarrhea. High levels of mast cell mediators are released during those episodes. The episodes respond to treatment with inhibitors or blockers of mast cell mediators. The episodes are called “idiopathic” which means that the mechanism is unknown - that is, not caused by allergic antibody or secondary to other known conditions that activate normal mast cells.
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