Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS): an underestimated disease - diagnosis, causes and treatment approaches

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS): an underestimated disease - diagnosis, causes and treatment approaches

Countless people worldwide suffer from recurring health complaints, the cause of which often remains in the dark. Digestive problems, rashes and circulatory disorders are just a few examples of the wide range of symptoms. However, the mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) could offer a possible explanation for these symptoms. Despite the high prevalence of this complex disease, it is often not recognized. The Dr. Jacob's institute therefore has (link away). In this article we will deal with the MCAS in detail and explain its versatile effects on the body.

What are mast cells and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)?

mast cells are immune cells with a diverse function. They play an important role in the defense against infections and protect the body from foreign substances by release different chemical messenger substances such as inflammatory mediators, cytokines and histamine. In mast cell activation syndrome, the mast cells are "hyperactive" and also react to harmless substances. This leads to an excessive release of (link removed) and other messenger substances, which can lead to a variety of symptoms in different organs and systems of the body. The disease often runs in bust, which increases the difficulty of correct diagnosis.

frequently overlooked: the high prevalence of MCAS

mcas is an illness that is often overlooked despite its widespread distribution, even by many doctors. It was only in 2016 that mast cell activation disorders received an international diagnosis code (ICD-10). So far there is no official diagnosis for MCAS in Germany. Nevertheless, a German study found that (link away). The unspecific symptoms of MCAS and the lack of knowledge of the disease among doctors mean that it is often overlooked. As a result, those affected often live for years without correct diagnosis and adequate treatment. In addition, the symptoms are often attributed to psychological causes, which further increases the burden for the patient.

versatile and unspecific symptoms of McAS

The symptoms of MCAS are diverse, unspecific and often resemble allergies. You can affect various organs and systems of the body, including the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, the airways and the nervous system. The frequent symptoms include water accumulation (edema), (link removed), (link removed), (link removed), (link removed), (link removed), (link removed) and psychological problems such as fears and restlessness. The symptoms occur in batches and can be reinforced by various triggers such as food, medication, stress and weather changes.

The connection between MCAS and histamine intolerance

The mast cell activation syndrome usually goes hand in hand with a (link away). Due to the excessive release of histamine through the mast cells, additional amounts of histamine that are absorbed through food can lead to problems. Certain foods can reinforce existing symptoms or trigger relapses. A low-histamine diet can often help relieve the MCAS symptoms.

Diagnosis of MCAS: Symptoms in the foreground

The diagnosis of MCAS is difficult because there are no specific diagnostic tests. The focus is on the symptoms that indicate mast cell activation and affect at least two organ systems. It is important to rule out other explanatory diseases. Laboratory tests such as determining histamine in the blood and of histamine mining products in urine as well as biopsies of different organs can be used to support the diagnosis. However, it should be noted that the laboratory values ​​can only be increased during a thrust. MCAS therefore do not exclude missing abnormalities in the test results.

The role of the intestine in mast cell activation

One of the most common causes of mast cell activation is a dysbiosis of the intestine, i.e. an imbalance of the intestinal flora. An irritated intestinal wall and a disturbed balance of the intestinal flora can promote harmful bacteria that produce histamine and further stimulate the mast cells. This chronic inflammatory process and the damage to the intestinal mucosa can lead to antigens from harmful bacteria or food and trigger mast cell and inflammatory reactions throughout the body, which causes the versatile complaints of MCAS

a hypersensitive nervous system and stress as a trigger of MCAS

mast cells are closely connected to the central and peripheral nervous system. A hypersensitive nervous system can lay the basis for hypersensitive mast cells and the development of MCAS. Stress is often a main trigger of mast cell pushing. McAs often have a prehistory of strong psychological and/or physical stress. It is therefore important to normalize and compensate for the autonomous nervous system to relieve the symptoms of MCAS.

treatment of MCAS: The focus is on the intestine

Treatment of MCAS aims to identify and eliminate the trigger and to reduce mast cell activity and to inhibit the effect of histamine. Natural mast cell stabilizers such as vitamin C, black cumin extract and quercetin can be helpful. However, a (link away) plays a central role in the treatment of MCAS. This includes the elimination of the intestinal dysbiosis, the structure of a healthy intestinal flora and the improvement of digestive performance and intestinal peristalsis. A targeted relief diet and an intestinal treatment with probiotic preparations, (link removed) and fiber can bring the intestine into balance and help to identify incompatible foods. A long -term change in diet is recommended to keep the intestine healthy in the long term.

The sustainable treatment of MCAS requires a holistic approach that also takes into account chronic viral or bacterial infections and the causes of the hypersensitive nervous system. Vagus stimulation can be a particularly helpful method.

FAZIT

The mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a versatile and often overlooked disease that can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected. The symptoms of MCAS are diverse and unspecific, which makes diagnosis more difficult. However, comprehensive treatment that focuses on the intestine, mast cell activity and the nervous system can help relieve the symptoms and enable a better quality of life for those affected. It is important that both doctors and patients are aware of the existence and the effects of MCAS to ensure early diagnosis and adequate treatment.