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What Is a Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)?
When the immune system overreacts: Learn what symptoms mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) can trigger and how it is diagnosed and treated.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What Is a Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)?
Mast cells are important and beneficial cells that form part of our immune system. They are found throughout the body and release a wide range of signaling substances, including histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins.
To date, approximately 1,200 different mediators are known to be released by mast cells under certain conditions. In mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), mast cells react too quickly or too strongly and release increased amounts of these mediators. This can cause symptoms in many different parts of the body.
Studies suggest that up to 17–20% of the population may be affected by MCAS.
What symptoms can occur?
A combination of different symptoms is typical, for example:
- Skin redness, itching, flushing, or swelling
- Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or nausea
- Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or fluctuations in blood pressure
- Nasal congestion, coughing, or breathing difficulties
- Headaches or migraines, anxiety, or restlessness
- Fatigue and concentration problems („brain fog“)
- Intolerance to various foods, medications, odors, or other stimuli
The severity of symptoms can vary considerably from day to day.
What can trigger symptoms?
Triggers vary greatly from person to person. Common triggers include:
- Certain foods or alcohol
- Infections
- Physical or psychological stress
- Heat or significant temperature changes
- Hormonal changes
- Physical exertion
- Certain medications, fragrances, or chemicals
How is MCAS diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based primarily on the typical clinical pattern of symptoms.
In addition, mast cell mediators or their metabolites can be measured in blood or urine. Besides tryptase, these include other mast cell mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. Not all of these markers need to be elevated. Normal results for individual markers do not necessarily rule out MCAS.
Mast cells can also be counted in intestinal biopsy samples. It is also important to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
How is MCAS treated?
Treatment is tailored to the individual symptoms. An important part of management is avoiding the individual’s personal triggers. However, the aim is not to avoid an ever-increasing number of foods or activities, but rather to determine which factors actually cause symptoms. Commonly used medications include:
- Antihistamines, such as H1 and H2 receptor blockers
- Medications that help stabilize mast cells, such as cromolyn sodium or ketotifen
- Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, where appropriate
- In more severe cases, additional specialized treatments, many of which are used off-label
Important Note:
The blog posts serve general education and information purposes. They cannot and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any case. You should therefore not use the information provided here as the sole basis for health-related decisions. If you have any complaints, you should in any case seek professional medical advice.
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Weitere Einträge
Was ist ein Mastzellaktivierungssyndrom (MCAS)?
Bis zu 17-20 % der Bevölkerung könnten von einem Mastzellaktivierungssyndrom (MCAS) betroffen sein. Erfahren Sie, welche Beschwerden dahinterstecken können, was sie auslöst und wie MCAS erkannt und behandelt wird.
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