MCAS and histamine intolerance: Difference between revisions
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MCAS stands for mast cell activation syndrome. Some MCAS specialists believe that overactive mast cells are responsible for a wide range of health problems that are difficult to diagnose. However, some patients are able to reduce their symptoms through a trial and error process of trying different foods and medications. | MCAS stands for mast cell activation syndrome. Some MCAS specialists believe that overactive mast cells are responsible for a wide range of health problems that are difficult to diagnose. However, some patients are able to reduce their symptoms through a trial and error process of trying different foods and medications. | ||
== Low histamine diet == | |||
== Medications == | |||
Antihistamine drugs may help. They do not lower histamine levels but they block the receptors for histamines and may be able to reduce symptoms. H1 and H2 blockers are available and both can be trialed. | |||
Over-the-counter antihistamines include: | |||
* Loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec, Benadryl Allergy One a Day Relief 🇬🇧) and acrivastine (Benadryl Allergy Relief 🇬🇧) are H1 blockers that are sold over-the-counter in most countries. Some of the drugs require a prescription in some countries, e.g. fexofenadine in the UK. | |||
* Famotidine (Pepcid) is a H2 blocker that is sold over-the-counter. | |||
Some patients find that not all H1/H2 blockers improve their symptoms so trial and error is needed to find a blocker that they respond to. | |||
Many other drugs (mostly prescription) are used to treat MCAS. This includes drugs such as: | |||
* Prescription H1 and H2 blockers | |||
* Mast cell stabilizers | |||
* Benzodiazepines. These are controlled substances that can lead to serious drug dependency/withdrawal problems if used for long periods of time. Your doctor may not necessarily provide you with informed consent regarding the difficulties some patients face trying to get off this class of drugs. | |||
* Low dose naltrexone (LDN) | |||
MCAS specialists and some doctors who educate themselves regarding MCAS (e.g. to treat long haul patients) would know more about those drugs and be able to provide you with a prescription. | |||
== How to find MCAS specialists == | |||
The patient support organization ''The Mast Cell Disease Society'' has a list of medical centers treating MCAS at https://tmsforacure.org/resources/finding-a-physician/ | |||
Revision as of 21:57, 30 January 2022
MCAS stands for mast cell activation syndrome. Some MCAS specialists believe that overactive mast cells are responsible for a wide range of health problems that are difficult to diagnose. However, some patients are able to reduce their symptoms through a trial and error process of trying different foods and medications.
Low histamine diet
Medications
Antihistamine drugs may help. They do not lower histamine levels but they block the receptors for histamines and may be able to reduce symptoms. H1 and H2 blockers are available and both can be trialed.
Over-the-counter antihistamines include:
- Loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec, Benadryl Allergy One a Day Relief 🇬🇧) and acrivastine (Benadryl Allergy Relief 🇬🇧) are H1 blockers that are sold over-the-counter in most countries. Some of the drugs require a prescription in some countries, e.g. fexofenadine in the UK.
- Famotidine (Pepcid) is a H2 blocker that is sold over-the-counter.
Some patients find that not all H1/H2 blockers improve their symptoms so trial and error is needed to find a blocker that they respond to.
Many other drugs (mostly prescription) are used to treat MCAS. This includes drugs such as:
- Prescription H1 and H2 blockers
- Mast cell stabilizers
- Benzodiazepines. These are controlled substances that can lead to serious drug dependency/withdrawal problems if used for long periods of time. Your doctor may not necessarily provide you with informed consent regarding the difficulties some patients face trying to get off this class of drugs.
- Low dose naltrexone (LDN)
MCAS specialists and some doctors who educate themselves regarding MCAS (e.g. to treat long haul patients) would know more about those drugs and be able to provide you with a prescription.
How to find MCAS specialists
The patient support organization The Mast Cell Disease Society has a list of medical centers treating MCAS at https://tmsforacure.org/resources/finding-a-physician/