Every person has a collection of mast cells. These are considered “allergy cells” and activate when an allergen enters the body, beginning an immediate allergic reaction. When mast cells become activated in response to an allergen, they release mediators – products either stored within the cell or produced by the cell. When mediators are released into the body, allergy symptoms develop.
While allergens are the first and foremost reason for the activation of mast cells, other things, such as medications, infections, or insect bites, can also affect the cell’s response. This type of reaction is known as secondary activation. In some cases, mast cells can release mediators in response to things that do not pose an allergy threat or are considered abnormal. This activation occurs when mast cells become defective and do not function properly.
When a mutation occurs within mast cells, clones are produced and go on to release the mediators even when they are not needed. When a person has repeated episodes of allergy symptoms because of defective mast cells, it is known as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).
Continue reading “Symptoms, Causes & Treatment of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)”
