Understanding MCAS: The Hidden Immune System Disorder

Imagine living with your body constantly sounding false alarms. Your heart races, your skin breaks out in hives, you experience severe digestive issues. But then it goes away. The diarrhea causes severe atypical depression, tremors, and panic attacks, from very light to a severe attack. Then goes away. You might not associate this with anything you’ve ever known. Most likely don't even associate the symptoms. You feel like you're having an allergic reaction—but to what? For months, even years, doctors tell you they can't find anything wrong. This is the reality for millions of people living with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, or MCAS.

What is MCAS?

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a condition that causes intense episodes of swelling, shortness of breath, hives, diarrhea, vomiting and other symptoms. In severe cases, it may lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Causes of mast cell activation include:

• Foods (especially high-histamine foods)

• Environmental chemicals

• Physical factors (heat, cold, exercise)

• Emotional stress

• Infections

• Medications

• SIBO, mycotoxin exposure, heavy metal toxicity

MCAS also is prevalent among LIPEDEMA Ladies.

Genetics may also play a role. Mutations in the KIT gene, especially at codon 816, have been linked to MCAS.

Treatment: A Multi-Pronged Approach

There’s no cure, but treatment can improve quality of life dramatically.

MCAS represents a shift in how we view chronic illness. If you experience unexplained, recurring multi-system symptoms—especially if they involve flushing, GI distress, or mimic allergic reactions without known triggers—MCAS may be the root cause.

I assess for MCAS in my Lipedema Evaluation and/or Primary Health Evaluation

OPTIMIZE!!! with me,

Carla Whorton, NP
Scottsdale, AZ