How to Diagnose Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
An Easy Way to Diagnose Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
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Many patients at my practice that I see come because they are concerned that they have mast cell activation syndrome. Mast cell activation syndrome has only been discovered in the last several years but probably has been around forever. Yet it remains an under-recognized, chronic multi-system disorder that most doctors are unable to diagnose or treat.
It’s actually common for patients with mast cell activation syndrome to consult with many doctors before finding one who can correctly diagnose this condition. This happens because there are typically lots of symptoms that look like other conditions, and it’s hard to pinpoint their exact cause.
A lot of patients who have allergic reactions whether it’s to foods, environmental exposures to even vaccines may have mast cell activation syndrome. Now there are some sophisticated tests that we can do in the blood to check for mast cell activation but they’re not always that accurate.
Believe it or not, one of the easiest ways to have an idea if you should be further evaluated for mast cell activation actually involves simple stroking of the skin.
There are some additional tests that can be utilized to help diagnose mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) such as:
- Tryptase levels: a 20% rise even if in normal level
- 24-hour urinary prostaglandin D2
- Histamine in the blood greater than 8nmol/L
- MMP-9 greater than 400
But I have found this skin stroke test to be the most reliable for helping to identify if further evaluation is needed to diagnose this chronic condition.
Symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
If you suffer from the following symptoms you may have MCAS.
- Skin Issues: hives, flushing, itching, rashes
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues: bloating, reflux, nausea, diarrhea
- Respiratory Issues: sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath
- Cardiac Issues: palpitations, chest pain, low blood pressure
Symptoms can start at any age but are most often present in adulthood.
If you think you may be suffering from mast cell activation syndrome schedule an appointment with a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mast cell activation in your area or schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with Mitchell Medical Group.
For more resources on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome check out mastcellaction.org.
About the Author – Dr. Dean Mitchell, M.D.
Dr. Dean Mitchell M.D. is a Board-Certified Immunologist and Allergist based out of NYC. He graduated from the Sackler School of Medicine and completed training at the Robert Cooke Allergy Institute in New York City. He is also a Professor of Clinical Immunology at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the author of Allergy and Asthma Solution: The Ultimate Program for Reversing Your Symptoms One Drop at a Time. Dr. Dean Mitchell, M.D. has also been featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Fitness Magazine, Dr. Oz, and News NY 1. Dr. Mitchell also hosts the podcast The Smartest Doctor in the Room – a combination of a lively, personal, and in-depth interview with top healthcare specialists.
References
Mast Cell Action. An organization dedicated to supporting the mast cell disease community.
Healthline: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment.
NIH. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.