What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)?
If you are dealing with MOLD symptoms, you might be dealing with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). This is a condition that falls under the umbrella of mast cell activation diseases (MCAD), which all have the common feature of inappropriate mast cell activation. Mast cells are immune defense cells located throughout the body, typically dormant in tissues, sensing various assaults such as infections or environmental factors. When activated, they can release a wide range of powerful chemical signals called mediators, impacting other cells and tissues to help the body resist and recover from these assaults. Certain types of MCAD, like allergies and allergic-type issues, as well as the rare disease mastocytosis – characterized by excessive mast cell growth – have been known for some time. In recent years, a variety of other patterns of inappropriate mast cell activation have been discovered, resulting in various clinical illnesses we now collectively refer to as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).
MCAS leads to chronic inflammation in multiple organs, tissues, and systems, sometimes accompanied by allergic-type issues and abnormal growth or development in certain tissues. Acute flares or “spells” of symptoms may also occur occasionally. The variability in clinical presentations can make it initially challenging to identify MCAS as the root cause behind a patient’s numerous health problems; however, we are increasingly recognizing it as a common issue. Fortunately, even though MCAS is currently incurable, there are many known treatments that can help control the disease. Most patients accurately diagnosed with MCAS can experience significant improvement even if they have been suffering from symptoms for an exceedingly long time.
MOLD HEALING- WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MCAS
Mast cells are present in every tissue in the body and release mediators that can affect other cells, leading to various symptoms. MCAS patients may experience acute “spells” of more severe symptoms at irregular intervals, as well as a chronic baseline of fluctuating symptoms. Although not all MCAS patients will suffer from all or even most of these symptoms, common ones include:
- Unexplained Weight loss or gain
- Pain (like Fibromyalgia or Arthritis
- Tired (No energy)
- Itchy different areas of the body
- Headache
- lightheadedness
- Tingling
- Pins and needles hands and feet
- Nausea
- No appetite
- Temperature sensitivity (feeling hot or cold)
- Swelling in any part of the body
- Eye irritation
- Difficulty taking deep breaths
- Acid reflux
- Brain fog
- Rashes
- Hives
- Abdominal discomfort
- Throat irritation
- Irregular heartbeats (palpitations, tachycardia)
- Sweating
- Environmental allergies, medication, and chemical sensitivities
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Flushing
- Vision anomalies
- Mouth sores or irritation
- Changing lymph node size and tenderness
- Urinary frequency or hesitancy
- Frequent or unusual infections
- Poor healing
- Sinusitis