Are you trying to figure out if your reactions are Mast Cell Activation Syndrome? Are you unsure about what the symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome or Histamine Intolerance really are? 

Do you find yourself confused by all the different articles you see online? 

I felt the same way once, too. 

When I was first learning about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Histamine Intolerance, there was a lot of misinformation out there. 

I’m glad that more professionals are aware of these issues now. And I’m so glad they are talking about it and learning more every day. 

But I still see misinformation about symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome all over the place. 

I come across all kinds of myths like this one:

Myth #1: It Isn’t Possible to Heal from Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance  

That’s the #1 myth I don’t want you to believe!  

Believing that and other myths can get in the way of your healing.

I’ve reclaimed my health from both Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance. 

So, how can you figure out what’s true and what’s false so you can start addressing symptoms? 

Keep reading to learn more about common myths. But first, you may be wondering if you even have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).  

Let’s talk a little about that next.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Symptoms

It’s important you know that this blog post is for informational and educational purposes. It’s not meant to treat any health condition or to be prescriptive for anyone. If you have any medical condition, it is critical you work under the care and guidance of a licensed medical provider. 

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome symptoms can show up in almost any part of the body.   

Do you have symptoms that you don’t really have an explanation for? 

You’ll sometimes hear these referred to as “mystery symptoms.”  

That’s because your bloodwork might look normal. And you may even hear annoying statements like, “You don’t look ill.”

But just because you “look fine” and have normal bloodwork doesn’t mean there isn’t something wrong. I think deep down, people looking for answers already know that. No matter what anyone may have told you otherwise. 

That’s why I want you to know just how extensive Mast Cell Activation Syndrome symptoms can be. We’ll go over all of those in detail.

For now, I want you to know there are many! They can affect nearly any system in your body. And they may seem unrelated.

Before we discuss all of that I want to share some myths with you.

That’s because if you believe some of these myths, you may dismiss MCAS as a possibility, even if you have numerous symptoms.  

I did. 

I didn’t think it was my problem. I’d heard it was rare. 

So, let’s start there. 

Myth# 2: Mast Cell Activation Disorders are Rare  

One of the first steps in my healing was learning that I had Histamine Intolerance. 

I didn’t know I had Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), too.  

But while I was learning about Histamine Intolerance, I came across articles about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. It sure seemed like that might be what was happening for me! 

But I thought MCAS was rare. So, I didn’t explore it fully.  

After all, if it was rare, then it wasn’t likely my problem. I was very wrong about that! 

Eventually, I learned that sometimes Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is confused with Mastocytosis. 

Mastocytosis is rare. It’s a mast cell activation disease in which there is an increased number of mast cells. You may also hear this called Systemic Mastocytosis. 

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is different. That happens when you have a normal amount of mast cells, but they are over-responsive.

That being said, some genetic forms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome are rare. You’ll see this called clonal MCAS. 

But the majority of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is what is called non-clonal. This means it’s not related to the mast cell genes. 

And non-clonal MCAS isn’t rare at all.  

According to leading Mast Cell Disorder experts, including Dr. Lawrence Afrin, MCAS may be as common as 17% of the general population.  

So, MCAS is more common than originally thought.

And all those symptoms you don’t have an explanation for may be MCAS symptoms! 

Myth #3: The Major Trigger for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Is Histamine  

Some people only have Histamine Intolerance. 

Some people only have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. 

However, in the Mast Cell 360 practice, we see many people with both. 

Related Post: Do You Have One or Both? Histamine Intolerance vs MCAS

They can go hand in hand because histamine is a mast cell trigger. And when mast cells are triggered, they release histamine. 

It’s a self-feeding cycle that can result in you feeling very sick.

But histamine is just one of many mediators released by mast cells. 

There are over 1000 mediators! And many (but not all) of these mediators released by mast cells also trigger mast cell activation. 

So, histamine alone isn’t the only mediator responsible for mast cell activation. 

These mediators can also be triggers: 

• Prostoglandins 
• Tryptase 
• Inflammatory leukotrienes 
• Cytokines 
• Interleukins 

And mediators in general are just one of many possible reasons for activated mast cells. 

It turns out that there are a lot of root causes for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.  

Root Causes of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome 

Root causes are the big, underlying factors that contribute to your mast cell activation. 

Many people have been told their MCAS is idiopathic. This means the cause isn’t known.

But today, we’re very clear that some of the biggest root causes of MCAS are: 

• Mold Toxicity 
• Hormonal imbalances
• Infections 
  • Lyme 
  • SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
  • SIFO (small intestinal fungal overgrowth) 
• Injuries, like concussions
• Genetic factors 
• Nutritional deficiencies 
• Stress and/or early trauma 
• Food Triggers 
  • Histamine 
  • Oxalates 
  • Lectins 
  • Salicylates 
  • Glutamates 
  • FODMAPs

Do you have trouble with any of those underlying triggers?     

Myth #4: Diet Changes Can’t Help Symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome  

Before you change your diet on your own, please make sure you’re working with a healthcare practitioner who can help you with this. Never limit foods unnecessarily, and always have a licensed medical provider who is supervising your case. 

If you’ve made changes in your diet and felt better, you already know this myth isn’t true either.  

I started eating low histamine to help with Histamine Intolerance. 

For a while, I didn’t know this was also helping my mast cell activation. (Like I said, for some time, I didn’t even know I had MCAS!) 

But here’s how it helped.  

Histamine can trigger mast cells. Then mast cells release more histamine. That triggers more mast cell activation. It can spiral out of control.

By eating low histamine, I was calming some of my mast cell response. 

Eating low histamine helped me get on the right path toward wellness. But this alone didn’t do everything to address my MCAS symptoms. 

In the section above, you just read that other inflammatory foods can be triggers, too. 

This was definitely the case for me. 

Have you tried the low histamine diet?

Did you get some relief, but are still dealing with symptoms? 

If so, it may be helpful to explore what food sensitivities you may have. Eating to support your body can make a huge difference. 

Mast Cell Activation Food Triggers 

If you aren’t eating low histamine yet and want to learn more, check out the low histamine food list. 

You’ll see a list of low histamine foods you can choose from. 

And you’ll find higher histamine and histamine liberating foods listed, too. Those are the ones you’ll initially want to avoid if you have Histamine Intolerance. 

But there are many food triggers that may be affecting you. Here are some of the more common ones. 

• High histamine foods
• Wheat 
• Dairy 
• Corn 
• Soy 
• Sugar  
• Processed foods and food additives  
• Preservatives  
• Oxalates
• Lectins (found in most grains, nightshades, grain-fed meat)  
• FODMAPs
• Salicylates  
• Glutamates 

Not sure what your triggers are? Try keeping a food diary. 

Simply write down the foods you eat and any reactions.

But keep this in mind:

• Some people have immediate reactions. This makes it fairly easy to sort out what is causing symptoms.  
• Others won’t see reactions for a couple days. If that’s you, it’s extra important to work with a professional. 

I had numerous food sensitivities. 

It took some time before I got everything figured out. But once I did, I started seeing even more improvements. 

But don’t cut out everything at once.  

Work with your provider to figure out what is right for you. 

And remember, food changes aren’t meant to be forever. Ideally, you’ll be able to start reintroducing a wider range of whole, nutrient dense foods again.

I have improved dramatically through changing my diet. I’ve seen many others make big strides toward healing by altering their diet, too! 

Diet can help with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.

Myth #5: There Is Nothing You Can Do About Genetics  

Think of your genetics as the blueprint for your body. 

And think of genetic expression like the builder who uses those blueprints to construct a building. 

It’s really the builder (genetic expression) that will determine the building’s outcome. 

Here’s how. 

If there are mistakes (genetic variants) in the blueprint (the DNA), the builder may build according to the plans. In other words, mistakes in the blueprints will show up in the construction. 

But what if the builder catches those mistakes before construction begins? She will correct for those. 

On the other hand, what if the builder isn’t having a good day? She may not catch the original mistakes. And she may make her own mistakes, too! 

As you can see, it’s not just those original blueprints that determine the outcome of the building. 

So, what are those things that make the builder have a bad day? In other words, what are the things affecting your genetic expression? 

These factors can all worsen your genetic expression:

• Mold toxins (mycotoxins)
• Chemical toxins
• Pathogens
• Stress

But if you address those factors, it’s amazing how much your genetic expression can repair!  

Genetic Factors to Consider with MCAS or Histamine Intolerance 

Genetics aren’t a life sentence. 

I often hear statements like:  

“I have an MTHFR variant so I can’t detoxify.”

Or, “I have a CBS variant so I can’t have anything with sulfur.”

Now, it’s true these genetic predispositions can significantly affect you when you have a lot of toxins, pathogens, and stressors.  

As you just read, those are factors that affect your genetic expression.  

But once those triggers are removed, your genetic expression can improve dramatically.

They can improve so much that many of your genetic variants may no longer be an issue. 

This happened for me. And it can happen for you. 

Knowing your genes allows you to work with your genetic expression. In other words, understanding your blueprints can help you construct a better building. 

That’s where genetic testing and analysis can be beneficial. 

In fact, I think it’s so important that I got certified in Functional Genomic Analysis to better help my clients! 

If you like to learn through listening or watching be sure to check out my presentation on Debunking MCAS Myths.

Note, there’s no need for a Facebook account to watch!

Myth #6 Elevated Tryptase Levels Always Show Up in Testing for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome  

Getting an official diagnosis of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome can be challenging.  

Unfortunately, the testing markers used in the diagnosis are still quite problematic. From what I see, they only seem to capture about 10% of cases.   

Diagnostic criteria are still being debated by researchers.

On one side of the fence, some experts say that tryptase is the only reliable marker for MCAS.  

However, according to the more widely accepted “Consensus-2” criteria, there are a number of urine and blood tests for mast cell mediators that can be used in diagnosing Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). 

According to the Consensus-2 criteria, an elevation in any of these diagnostic markers can indicate MCAS. 

Blood tests: 

• Tryptase  
• Chromogranin A  
• Prostaglandin D2  
• Histamine 
• Heparin  

Urine tests: 

• Prostaglandin D2 
• 2,3-Dinor-11beta-prostaglandin F2 alpha 
• Histamine 
• N-methyl histamine  
• Leukotriene E4 

There are still some challenges with this broader testing criteria though.  

Challenges with Testing for MCAS 

One very basic testing challenge is that urine or blood samples need to be kept chilled from the time of collection through processing. 

Then, the lab must use a cold centrifuge. Yet very few labs have this equipment. This is leading to many of the false negative results. 

Another challenge is getting an accurate reading to begin with. See, mast cell mediators in blood and urine can be elevated and then fall again very quickly.

But mediator levels can change rapidly. Even within a few minutes. This makes it sometimes very hard to catch them.  

Mediators are chemicals mast cells release when activated. 

If MCAS is suspected, some practitioners will try to provoke a flare and retest hourly for several hours in hopes of getting positive lab markers.   

But even so, due to how fast these levels can rise and fall, you still may not get an accurate picture.

And speaking of mediators, that leads us to our myth – elevated tryptase levels always show up in MCAS tests. 

Tryptase and MCAS Testing 

Tryptase is one mediator released by mast cells.  

If you’ve read up on MCAS testing, you may have heard that tryptase levels are always elevated in MCAS tests. 

But according to the “Consensus-2” experts, tryptase is rarely elevated in MCAS. 

Tryptase is more commonly a marker for Mastocytosis and Hereditary Alpha Tryptasemia (a genetic disorder that can be associated with Mastocytosis.)  

Many providers are no longer looking for elevated tryptase. 

Instead, they are looking for a change in tryptase during a flare. The standard suggests to first get a baseline on a GOOD day. Then on a BAD mast cell day, get another test.  

If your tryptase goes up 20% + 2 points from your baseline, then it’s considered a positive tryptase reading. Even if the tryptase level is still within normal ranges.  

Now here’s another area where I think people get confused about tryptase.  

If these baseline levels are considered high, that more likely indicates Mastocytosis or Hereditary Alpha Tryptasemia (HaT). HaT is a genetic problem that causes too much tryptase to be produced. 

But remember, that while Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) can occur with Mastocytosis or Hereditary Alpha Tryptasemia, these are all different conditions.  

This is why according to many researchers, tryptase is not the most important marker that can indicate MCAS.  

Do You Really Need a Diagnosis? 

Currently we only have a handful of markers that can be tested. Yet, we know mast cells can release over 1000 mediators!  

So, a question I keep coming back to is this – What if the mediators that can be tested for aren’t the ones your mast cells happen to be over releasing that day? 

MCAS research is still a cutting-edge field. But with time I believe research will allow us to understand more about these questions. 

But whether you do or don’t get positive results in your MCAS testing, you want to look for the root causes of your overactive mast cells.

So, what if you are one of the many people who can’t get a diagnosis?  

Well, to me, the most important question is this – How are you going to feel better? 

And to answer this question you need to ask another question – What is it that all these issues are really stemming from?

That’s where we get back to looking at the root causes. This is the approach we take in the Mast Cell 360 clinic.

That leads me to myth #7. Many people may say medication is the only way to feel better.

Read more to learn why this is also a myth. 

Myth #7: Medication Is the Only Way to Address Mast Cell Activation Symptoms   

In many cases, medication is essential to healing. And it can provide you with the relief from your MCAS symptoms that your body needs. 

Both antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers can be beneficial for some. In many cases, these are two different things. But Ketotifen is unusual because it does both.

Ketotifen is an H1 blocker (blocks a histamine receptor known as H1) that has been shown to help stabilize the mast cells.  

H1 blockers are medications typically used as antihistamines. They can help relieve many allergy-type symptoms. 

These types of symptoms like itching, runny nose, and wheezing (to name just a few) can also be common with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome or Histamine Intolerance.  

Other H1 blockers that may be helpful for some people include: 

• Loratadine (Claritin) 
• Fexofenadine (Allegra) 
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec) 

These are second-generation antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamines are considered safer long-term than first-generation antihistamines.

Other medications that may be helpful are H2 blockers like: 

• Cimetidine (Tagamet) 
• Famotidine (Pepcid AC)   

Remember, histamine release can trigger the mast cells. So, getting that histamine response down can be helpful in calming the mast cells, too. 

Related Article: The Best Antihistamines for MCAS and Histamine Intolerance 

But even when needed, I see medications as only one part of addressing MCAS. 

It’s also important to look at root causes.

You might think of it like this. If your house has a leaky roof, you can put buckets under the leak to catch any rainwater coming in from outside.  

That will take care of water getting all over your floor. 

But ultimately, you still need to fix the roof. 

So, medications are one way to help control your symptoms. But you still need to look at what’s causing those symptoms to begin with.

Addressing your root causes is an important part of reversing MCAS. 

We listed some of the major root causes we see in the Mast Cell 360 practice under Myth #3 above.  

And you can sign up below for your free report on the 7 most common root causes.

Next, when it comes to feeling better, medications aren’t the only thing that can help, even though some people may say otherwise. Keep reading to learn more.  

Myth #8: Supplements Can’t Help with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance  

There are many ways you can support your health. Including supplements. 

If you’ve heard supplements can’t help with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome or Histamine Intolerance, you’ve heard another popular myth. 

Fortunately, this isn’t true. There is an extensive amount of research on histamine lowering and mast cell stabilizing supplements.

Here are a few of the best-known mast cell stabilizing supplements:  

Quercetin  

Quercetin has been shown to work as a mast cell stabilizer. 

I find the form Alpha-Glycosyl-Isoquercitrin is the best absorbed. This means less is needed. 

You can also get 15% off anything at Fullscript anytime when you register with our link. If you don’t have an account already, it’s free and you just enter your email address to sign up. It never costs you more and your Fullscript purchase helps support Mast Cell 360 free online resources.

Related Article: the Best Quercetin Supplements for Histamine Intolerance and MCAS

Baicalin

Baicalin may also be called Chinese skullcap. Don’t confuse this with American skullcap. They are very different. 

If you try this, be sure to get Chinese skullcap (baicalin).

Chinese skullcap (baicalin) is a very effective mast cell stabilizer. I’ve had good experiences with this supplement when used for reducing mast cell related inflammation.

It can be hard to find Chinese skullcap, though. 

This is the version we use in the Mast Cell 360 practice. It’s Chinese skullcap Extract (baicalin).  

Use Coupon Code MASTCELL10 for 10% off!

Perilla Seed Extract

Perilla seed extract comes from a type of herb, perilla, used in Korean cooking.  

It’s one of my favorites. 

Perilla seed is high in apigenin, luteolin, and rosmarinic acids.  

Research has shown these actions and properties: 

• Reductions in histamine and the mast cell cytokine TNF-a 
• Inhibiting inflammation 
• Reductions in skin allergic reactions 
• Improvements in respiratory symptoms 

Related Post: Why Perilla Seed Extract Is the Mast Cell Supporting Supplement You’ve Never Heard About

Holy Basil

Holy Basil is also known as Tulsi. 

It can be very effective for lowering the body’s stress response.

Stress on the body can be anything that knocks your body off balance. 

Stressors can be physical, psychological, or chemical, just to give you a few examples. 

I use a Holy Basil Tulsi supplement and the Tulsi Tea from Kauai Farmacy regularly. With both, I’ve had great results in inflammation reduction and feeling calmer.  

Kauai Farmacy is very high-quality tea. Their Tulsi (Holy Basil) tea is delicious!

They harvest and ship in about a week. This makes it the lowest histamine and very fresh. Almost as good as plucking it from your own garden!

Use code MASTCELL360 to save 15%!  

Boswellia

Boswellia is an extract of frankincense resin. I’ve used it in these two forms for MCAS:

Boswellia (Frankincense) Essential Oil

I’ve had good results using this essential oil to reduce inflammation and stabilize mast cells. If you use oils be sure to use a pharmaceutical grade ones (such as Rocky Mountain Oils).

Dilute frankincense with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin. 

Boswellia Supplements

I’ve also had good results using Boswellia as a supplement for the same anti-inflammatory and stabilizing benefits.

Here is my favorite.   

Remember, you can also get 15% off anything at Fullscript anytime when you register with our link. If you don’t have an account already, it’s free. It never costs you more and your Fullscript purchase helps support Mast Cell 360’s free online resources.

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C has been shown to contribute to immune defense. It supports your body’s cellular functions in the innate and adaptive immune system. 

And vitamins, like vitamin C, have been shown to have a protective effect on the body’s immune cells. 

I’ve found vitamin C can help reduce my mast cell reactions, especially after exposure to a trigger.

However, many people with MCAS react to ascorbic acid because it is usually made from fermented corn.  

These are 2 I’ve had good luck with:

Camu Camu by Navitas Organics

I love camu camu because it’s not made from fermented corn. And it’s a food-based option.

Magnesium Ascorbate by Allergy Research Group

I’ve also had very good luck with this form of vitamin C. It is a buffered, non-acidic form of vitamin C, and is not fermented or from corn.

And if you have Salicylate Intolerance, this may be the better option for you since camu camu is high salicylate. 

Related Article: Low Histamine Vitamin C

If any of these supplements are new to you, consider starting with just a few drops or sprinkles.  

You can add them to water in very small amounts. If tolerated, you can slowly increase the amount.

Do you need help finding which supplements would be best for you?

Check out my Top 8 Mast Cell Supporting Supplements Master Class. 

Now that you’ve read about some MCAS myths, you may want to look more deeply at symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. 

Are these symptoms something you’ve attributed to something else before because you didn’t think they could be related to MCAS? 

A Deeper Look at Symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome 

MCAS has been mystifying for practitioners for years because the symptoms can look very different person to person. 

This is because mast cells are in every part of your body except your retina.

The symptoms you end up with depend on where the mast cells are dysregulated. Is it your skin mast cells? Your gut mast cells? Your brain mast cells? 

Let’s start with a brief look at what mast cells are. This will help you understand why MCAS symptoms are so varied. 

How Mast Cells Cause Symptoms 

Mast cells are white blood cells. They are an important part of your immune system.  

They are initially produced in your bone marrow. But mature mast cells aren’t found only in the bone marrow.   

They are found in almost every part of your body.  

All these mast cells have receptors. You could think of receptors as first responders. They respond to everything in and around your body. 

They respond to everything from viruses and bacteria to chemicals and temperature. 

Part of those responses can be the release of chemicals called mediators. These mediators play different roles in the body. They are very important in fighting infection and healing.

Why There Are Many Types of Symptoms 

Here’s why it’s important to know that mast cells are in almost every part of your body. 

Because mast cells are throughout your body, MCAS symptoms can occur in any of your body systems.

Which systems are affected depends on: 

• The location of the mast cells being affected 
• The receptors being triggered 
• The mediators being released 

With MCAS, we look for at least 2 body systems being affected. This is also referred to as being multi-systemic. 

That’s the first clue – having symptoms in 2 or more systems of the body. 

However, you should note that sometimes when 1 system has severe symptoms, it’s easy to overlook symptoms in other systems. 

For example, you know that diarrhea and abdominal pain shouldn’t be happening every day. Those symptoms stand out. 

But what about chronic sneezing or a runny nose? You may think it’s dust or an allergic reaction to something in your environment. But it could be related to MCAS. 

In that case, you’d have both digestive and respiratory system symptoms. 

But what about chronic sneezing or a runny nose? You may think it’s dust or an allergic reaction to something in your environment. But it could be related to MCAS. 

The symptoms of MCAS vary widely.

So, it’s very important to talk with your provider about your symptoms. You want to rule out any other issues that may be life-threatening or that may need medical attention. 

And some reactions may be anaphylactoid or anaphylaxis reactions. These are serious. Always be sure to contact your provider with any new or worsening symptoms. 

But if you are like I was, your “strange symptoms” might be a mystery. 

Does your bloodwork look fine? 

Do you have urinary pain, but your culture comes back clear? 

Maybe you’ve heard this – “You don’t look sick.” I heard that one a few times myself.

Here at just some of the different symptoms you might have. 

Symptoms in Different Body Systems 

Do you have food, drug, environmental, or chemical sensitivities? 

What about chronic inflammation? 

Those are two symptoms that could be indications you have MCAS.  

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome symptoms have been misunderstood for a long time. 

Simply put, MCAS is a multi-systemic inflammatory disorder. And you can have it with or without allergies, anaphylaxis, or hypersensitivities. 

Below, you’ll find more symptoms that affect different organ systems. 

Cardiovascular System (Heart) Symptoms

A lot of the following heart-related symptoms can be related to MCAS.  

But sometimes they can also be symptoms of something more serious. So, you’ll need to make sure those are ruled out with a healthcare practitioner. And, if you are feeling any new or worsening symptoms, it’s important to see your provider right away.  

Some cardiovascular symptoms of MCAS can include: 

• Feeling faint 
• Passing out or fainting 
• Chest pains (tightness of the chest) 
• Fast heartrate 
• Heart palpitations 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness  
• Low blood pressure 

Digestive System Symptoms

The digestive system includes organs like your stomach and intestines. But it also includes your mouth. Your lips, tongue, and throat are all part of your digestive system, too.  

Here are some common symptoms you might experience with your digestive system if you have MCAS: 

• Mouth burning 
• Trouble swallowing 
• Throat tightness 
• Gum inflammation 
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation 
• Cramping 
• Abdominal pain 
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Reflux 
• Bloating 
• Food sensitivities 

Integumentary System (Skin, Nails, Hair) Symptoms

Did you know that skin is the largest organ you have? I had a lot of skin symptoms related to MCAS.  

And like you read, mast cells are almost everywhere in the body.

There were times I even felt like my hair hurt!  

What symptoms related to skin, nails and hair have you experienced? 

Here are a few to be aware of: 

• Angioedema (swelling under the skin) 
• Aermatographia (persistent redness or white marks after scratching) 
• Urticaria (red, itchy welts) 
• Flushing 
• Itchiness 
• Hives 
• Rashes 
• Bruising easily 
• Burning sensations 
• Slow healing of skin wounds 
• Rosacea or reddish complexion 
• Pale complexion 
• Psoriasis 
• Eczema 
• Hair loss 

Nervous System (Brain, Nerves) Symptoms

Working on my nervous system was a game-changer for my healing. I’ve had several of these types of a-ha moments on my healing journey. 

Mold Toxicity is a major contributor to MCAS. And it can affect the nervous system in a big way. 

That is one way you can get the over-responsive “haywire mast cells” that seem to cause negative reactions to everything, both good and bad.

Here are some symptoms that can indicate nervous system dysregulation from MCAS: 

• Brain fog 
• Short-term memory issues 
• Trouble recalling words 
• Headaches 
• Migraines 
• Depression 
• Nerve pains 
• Trouble focusing 
• Anxiety 
• Insomnia 
• Dizziness 
• Tinnitus 
• Numbness 
• Sweating 
• Unusual temperature changes 
• Tingling and numbness in arms and legs 
• Other neurological symptoms like seizures 

Respiratory System (Lungs, Sinuses) Symptoms

When the mast cells in your respiratory system are affected, you can get all kinds of different systems related to your lungs and sinuses. 

Here are a few common symptoms of MCAS in the respiratory system: 

• Congestion 
• Coughing 
• Shortness of breath 
• Wheezing 
• Asthma 
• Increased mucous production 
• Postnasal drip 
• Sinus congestion 
• Frequent throat clearing 
• Sinus and/or nasal swelling 
• Nasal polyps 

Visual System (Eyes) Symptoms

Mast cells are even found in the eyes!  

Do you have any of these symptoms of MCAS related to your visual system? 

• Eye pain 
• Redness 
• Trouble focusing 
• Inflammation 
• Blurry vision 
• Itchy, watery, or irritated eyes 

Reproductive System Symptoms

So many times, women are told that their period pain is “normal.” It’s unfortunate because in some cases, painful periods are a symptom of MCAS.  

And it can be addressed. 

Here are some other conditions that may be related to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: 

• Endometriosis 
• Painful periods 
• Infertility 
• Hormonal imbalances 

Urinary Tract Symptoms

Have you had issues when you urinate? 

Maybe you thought you had a UTI or other infection. But your bloodwork and cultures came back normal. 

This happened to me on more than one occasion. It turns out these symptoms can also be related to MCAS. 

Do you have any of these urinary tract symptoms? 

• Inflammation  
• Burning 
• Pain with urination 
• Urinary tract infection type symptoms 

Musculoskeletal System (Muscles, Bones, Joints, Tissues) Symptoms

Pain in my muscles and joints was one of my biggest struggles. At one point, I was so bad off that I needed a cane just to get to my bathroom down the hall. 

I was even misdiagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was in my thirties. 

But once I addressed MCAS and some of the food sensitivities underlying my mast cell activation, like Oxalate Intolerance, many of these joint and muscle issues went away.

I no longer need a cane to get around. I can even exercise normally and go on hikes! 

Are any of these symptoms sounding familiar to you? 

• Osteoporosis and Osteopenia  
• Arthritis that moves around 
• General muscular and bone pain 
• Hyperflexible joints 
• Degenerative disk issues 

Related Article: What Is Oxalate Dumping?

Conditions Related to MCAS 

There are a number of other conditions that may be related to MCAS, too. I was told I had at least a quarter of the ones listed below. 

Now, you might have these conditions without MCAS symptoms, too.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome isn’t the cause of all of these conditions. But it may be related in some instances. And you may get misdiagnosed, like I was. 

My misdiagnoses meant I wasn’t addressing the big picture or root causes. It was like using a bandage when I needed a cast! 

The related conditions are:

• Fibromyalgia 
• Chronic Fatigue 
• Interstitial Cystitis 
• Crohn’s Disease 
• Type 2 Diabetes 
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) 
• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) 
• Autism Spectrum Disorders 
• Autoimmune diseases 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Lupus 
• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis 
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome 
• Graves 
• Sjogren’s 
• Multiple Sclerosis 

After looking at these symptoms and conditions, do you think you may have MCAS?  

One Last Note on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Symptoms

Unfortunately, there is still so much misinformation about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome out there.  

Having some insights into the most common myths will help you understand your MCAS symptoms a great deal!  

How many of these myths had you heard already? 

Most people I talk to have heard at least 1. Usually, it’s even more. Good information is part of the challenge of navigating a condition that still isn’t fully understood or recognized.  

Here’s one final myth for you.  

Myth #9: Following an Aggressive, Standard Protocol Is the Only Way to Wellness

Not true. 

You’ve already read how looking at your genes can show you that what you need may be very different than what someone else needs. 

With MCAS, you need to know what to do AND you need to know the right time to do it. 

Introducing something too soon can set you back further. 

Onboarding something at too high a dose may cause reactions. 

If you’ve tried other protocols that haven’t worked, you likely need a gentler, more tailored approach. 

That’s exactly what the MC360™ Method does for you. 

It’s already helped hundreds of clients in the Mast Cell 360 clinic get their lives back. You can learn more about this starting with my Top 8 Mast Cell Supporting Supplements Master Class.

Your key takeaway from this course is how to take the right supplements, in the right order, for you!

But most of all, I want you to know that if you do have MCAS, there is hope for you to get your life back. 

What symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome do you suffer from? What myths did you believe before reading this? Tell me in the comments below!

More Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Basics

• Do You Have One or Both? Histamine Intolerance vs MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) 
• What Is MCAS? 
• Mast Cells and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome 101
• Low Histamine Foods List for MCAS and Histamine Intolerance 
• How to Customize Your MCAS Flare Up Plan

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References  

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Afrin, L. B., et al. (2016). Often seen, rarely recognized: mast cell activation disease – a guide to diagnosis and therapeutic options. Annals of Medicine, 48(3), 190–201. https://doi.org/10.3109/07853890.2016.1161231  

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