Understanding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and its Connection to Long COVID

🤔Mast cells, activated by infections, release over a thousand mediators into the body to help fight the infection.

😴Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by long COVID patients and those with MCAS.

🤢IBS symptoms, including bloating, wind, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation, are frequently reported by long COVID patients and those with MCAS.

😫Insomnia and anxiety are common among long COVID patients and those with MCAS.

🚨Rashes, itchiness, and fluctuating between rashes and itchiness are symptoms experienced by long COVID patients and those with MCAS.

What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)?

—MCAS occurs when dysfunctional mast cells overreact to various stimuli, including infections, releasing numerous mediators into the body.

What are the common symptoms of long COVID and MCAS?

—Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, IBS symptoms, insomnia, anxiety, rashes, palpitations, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, tinnitus, and poor healing.

How is MCAS diagnosed?

—MCAS diagnosis involves thorough medical history assessment, physical examination, and laboratory tests to identify abnormal levels of mediators or mast cell tryptase.

What is the connection between MCAS and long COVID?

—There is growing evidence that mast cells may be heavily implicated in many of the symptoms experienced by long COVID patients.

What are the treatments for MCAS and long COVID?

—Treatments include following a low-histamine diet, taking specific supplements, and using over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines.

00:00Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) may be heavily implicated in long COVID symptoms.

01:08MCAS occurs when dysfunctional mast cells overreact to infections, releasing various mediators into the body.

02:23Common symptoms experienced by long COVID patients and those with MCAS include fatigue, headaches, IBS symptoms, insomnia, anxiety, rashes, palpitations, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, tinnitus, and poor healing.

05:23The general medical community is slowly recognizing MCAS, and treatments include a low-histamine diet, specific supplements, over-the-counter antihistamines, and prescription antihistamines.