One day you’re feeling fine, then all of a sudden, you start to experience a host of symptoms like flushing, itching, hives, swelling, and abdominal pain. If these symptoms come with heart palpitations, brain fog, and shortness of breath, it’s likely that these are indicators of a health condition known as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. MCAS is an immune system disorder wherein your mast cells, which are the immune cells that defend against pathogens, release too many inflammatory chemicals like histamine even without a clear threat. This causes widespread symptoms throughout the body that are similar to allergic reactions. While some indicators can cause discomfort, other symptoms may need immediate emergency care since MCAS flare-ups can lead to anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.
MCAS is a common yet rarely diagnosed condition since most people often dismiss it as a mere allergy to food or elements in the environment. Women are particularly at risk of developing this syndrome as a study shows that 91 percent of patients diagnosed with MCAS are female. The research also revealed that it’s prevalent in women between the ages of 21 and 50, so managing this chronic disease is key to stay comfortable, safe, and enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and what you can do to manage this condition.
Is it Really MCAS?
It is unclear how MCAS starts, but a few factors can trigger its development in women. For most people, the condition starts when they come across stimuli that causes the mast cells to go into overdrive. Common allergens like food, insect venoms, and environmental elements may trigger MCAS, but so can physical factors like extreme temperature changes, vigorous exercise, or motion from certain activities. Stress can also be a contributor to this syndrome, as well as viral or bacterial infections.
But how can you know for sure that you have MCAS? According to allergy and asthma specialist Dr. Alan Khadavi, experts look for recurrent symptoms and the involvement of two or more organ systems to diagnose MCAS. They may also recommend a blood test like a serum tryptase to see if you have an abnormally high number of mast cells, as well as a urine test to check for traces of broken down mast cells. Once it’s been confirmed that you do not have other disorders that mimic MCAS symptoms, such as chronic spontaneous urticaria or food or drug allergies, your doctor will come up with a treatment plan that focuses on medication, symptom relief, and trigger avoidance.
Treatments for MCAS Symptoms
It’s important to note that while MCAS is not curable, it’s a manageable condition with good life expectancy. To reduce the severity of symptoms, an immunologist or allergist may prescribe antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine to help with itching, flushing, and headaches, as well as leukotriene inhibitors to control abdominal cramping and respiratory symptoms. You may also be advised to carry an epinephrine auto-injector at all times so you’re prepared in case you experience anaphylaxis.
Since MCAS may cause hair fall and disrupt your hair growth cycle, your doctor may create a diet to adjust nutritional deficiencies, or recommend a topical treatment to reduce hair fall. You may also get a female hair loss treatment from medical professionals who specialize in treating hair loss from hormonal changes and auto immune conditions. This restores your tresses and allows you to regrow thicker, healthier hair.
To help with hives and skin itches, you may be advised to apply anti-itch topicals like aloe vera, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, or calamine lotion directly on affected areas. You can also use cold compresses to soothe itchy and reddened skin, or apply cooling sprays to itchy spots.
Long-term Management
Having a long-term management plan for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is essential since it can prevent severe reactions, improves day-to-day functioning, and addresses mental health. Your long-term plan will involve strategies like identifying and avoiding anything that may trigger MCAS flare-ups. Common triggers include heat, so avoid going out during the hottest part of the day, and when indoors, stay in cool, well-ventilated rooms at all times. Since stress can cause attacks, try to stay calm and engage in mindful activities like yoga or meditation to soothe your mind and relieve feelings of anxiety.
You may also want to adjust your diet and avoid foods that trigger histamine, such as aged cheeses, avocados, eggplants, fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt, chocolate, tomatoes, and nuts like peanuts, cashews, and walnuts. Instead, choose foods with naturally low histamine levels, like freshly cooked beef, chicken, and turkey, fresh vegetables and non-citrus fruits, gluten-free grains like rice, and dairy products like fresh milk and butter.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome comes with symptoms that can cause discomfort or pain, but with the right treatments and a long-term management plan, you can reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you suspect that you may have MCAS, see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
