Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is thought to affect more than 150,000 people and is considered a subcategory of the more broad "Mast Cell Disease" identification.

History

• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, also called mastocytosis, used to be thought of as one disease. Doctors now tend to specify a disorder of mast cells activity into specific subcategories, including Systemic Mastocytosis, Mast Cell Leukemia, Cutaneous Mastocytosis and Urticaria Pigmentosa.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome disease tend to confuse both patients and doctors because they mimic other diseases. Symptoms include abdominal pain; hives and other rashes; anaphylaxis; inflammation of the esophagus; blood pressure changes and shock; intestinal cramping and bloating; bone pain (mild to severe/debilitating); itching, with and without rashes; chest pain; liver, spleen and other organ involvement; cognitive difficulties/brain fog; malabsorption; degenerative disc disease; migraine headaches; diarrhea; muscle pain; dizziness/vertigo/lightheadedness; nausea; faintness; osteoporosis/osteopenia; fatigue; peripheral neuropathy and paresthesias; flushing; rapid heart rate; gastroesophageal reflux; and vomiting.

Doctors

• Many doctors are not schooled in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome because these disease are rare. Your best bet is to find a blood disease doctor or an oncologist, as they tend to be the ones who treat these diseases.

Triggers

• Try to avoid the common triggers of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome disorders. These triggers are different for each person, so you must work on finding out which one tends to aggravate your disease. The Mastocytosis Society names the following triggers to avoid: alcohol; friction; anesthetic agents; heat; antibiotics; infection with viruses, bacteria or fungi; bacteria or fungi; mold; certain foods; MSG; cold; narcotics, colors and flavorings in foods; perfumes; colors and flavorings in medicines; pesticides; emotional upset; plasma expanders (i.e., dextran); environmental toxins; preservatives; exercise; room freshener sprays; fatigue; stress; fever; and sunlight.

Support

• People suffering from Mast Cell Activation Syndrome can find some comfort in the availability of online information and support groups such as the Mastocytosis Society and the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases.