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#MCAS

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There was a time when I ordered mast cell testing frequently — serum tryptase, plasma histamine, 24-hour urine mediators. Over time, I’ve stepped back. Not because mast cell activation isn’t real — but because many of these tests lack sensitivity, fluctuate significantly, and often don’t change what I’m going to do clinically. If someone has episodic, multi-system flares — flushing, GI symptoms, brain fog, tachycardia — especially in the context of hypermobility and dysautonomia, and I can’t otherwise explain their symptoms, I treat the mast cell physiology. If the presentation is atypical, overlaps with autoimmune disease (lupus, inflammatory arthritis, vasculitis), or something structural, I investigate further. But if it feels like mast cell activation, and nothing else convincingly explains it, I start there. If they don’t respond? I reassess. I widen the lens. I reconsider testing. Every test you order should come with an understanding of its sensitivity, specificity, and limitations. Some data points are inherently fallible. And when that’s the case, I don’t anchor to them. Listening carefully — and watching how someone responds to thoughtful therapy — is often more informative than a single lab value. #mcas #mastcell #mastcellactivationsyndrome #mastcellactivationdisorder #hypermobility
There was a time when I ordered mast cell testing frequently — serum tryptase, plasma histamine, 24-hour urine mediators. Over time, I’ve stepped back. Not because mast cell activation isn’t real — but because many of these tests lack sensitivity, fluctuate significantly, and often don’t change what I’m going to do clinically. If someone has episodic, multi-system flares — flushing, GI symptoms, brain fog, tachycardia — especially in the context of hypermobility and dysautonomia, and I can’t otherwise explain their symptoms, I treat the mast cell physiology. If the presentation is atypical, overlaps with autoimmune disease (lupus, inflammatory arthritis, vasculitis), or something structural, I investigate further. But if it feels like mast cell activation, and nothing else convincingly explains it, I start there. If they don’t respond? I reassess. I widen the lens. I reconsider testing. Every test you order should come with an understanding of its sensitivity, specificity, and limitations. Some data points are inherently fallible. And when that’s the case, I don’t anchor to them. Listening carefully — and watching how someone responds to thoughtful therapy — is often more informative than a single lab value. #mcas #mastcell #mastcellactivationsyndrome #mastcellactivationdisorder #hypermobility
Me 🤝 Chromolyn #MCAS #mastcellactivationsyndrome #mastcellactivation #paleo #allergies
Me 🤝 Chromolyn #MCAS #mastcellactivationsyndrome #mastcellactivation #paleo #allergies
What is MCAS? #mcas #allergies #doctor
What is MCAS? #mcas #allergies #doctor
Most people with mast cell issues have “normal” labs. And technically, they’re often so close to normal your doctor brushes them off. …But there are clues beyond the most reliable mast cell mediators (that usually come back normal). MCAS rarely shows up as one dramatic abnormality. It shows up in patterns. Values that live at the edges of normal. Alone, they don’t mean much. But combined with symptoms, they take on new meaning. I often see: • Slightly low white blood cells • Low-normal alkaline phosphatase • High-normal platelets • Elevated eosinophils • Low CO₂ trends • High or low B13 • Low zinc, folate, copper, or magnesium • Low-normal sodium and potassium • Slightly elevated LDL • And sometimes… completely perfect labs during a flare None of these diagnose MCAS on their own, and every single one can have other causes. But together? They tell a story. If you’ve been told “everything looks fine” but your body feels anything but fine, it may be worth looking at your labs differently. Normal does not always mean optimal. And it definitely does not always mean stable. Save this for reference the next time you get labs ❤️ #mastcellactivationsyndrome #mcas #longcovid #mastcellactivation #mastcell
Most people with mast cell issues have “normal” labs. And technically, they’re often so close to normal your doctor brushes them off. …But there are clues beyond the most reliable mast cell mediators (that usually come back normal). MCAS rarely shows up as one dramatic abnormality. It shows up in patterns. Values that live at the edges of normal. Alone, they don’t mean much. But combined with symptoms, they take on new meaning. I often see: • Slightly low white blood cells • Low-normal alkaline phosphatase • High-normal platelets • Elevated eosinophils • Low CO₂ trends • High or low B13 • Low zinc, folate, copper, or magnesium • Low-normal sodium and potassium • Slightly elevated LDL • And sometimes… completely perfect labs during a flare None of these diagnose MCAS on their own, and every single one can have other causes. But together? They tell a story. If you’ve been told “everything looks fine” but your body feels anything but fine, it may be worth looking at your labs differently. Normal does not always mean optimal. And it definitely does not always mean stable. Save this for reference the next time you get labs ❤️ #mastcellactivationsyndrome #mcas #longcovid #mastcellactivation #mastcell
MCAS symptoms are broad… but some are way more specific than others. Some symptoms clearly point to mast cell activation. Others can overlap with a lot of conditions — which is why so many people get misdiagnosed. More specific to MCAS: Facial flushing, dermatographia, hives, itching, burning skin, swelling (angioedema), throat tightness, random allergic-type reactions, sensitivity to foods/meds/smells/temperature, wheezing or shortness of breath, sudden diarrhea or cramping, anaphylaxis, symptoms that improve with antihistamines Less specific (but still common in MCAS): Brain fog, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, POTS symptoms, palpitations, anxiety/adrenaline surges, insomnia, nausea, bloating, reflux, constipation, muscle and nerve symptoms, hormone flares, temperature dysregulation The biggest clue isn’t just what symptoms you have — it’s the patternMCAS often looks like: Multi-system symptomsSymptoms that flare suddenlySymptoms triggered by random thingsSymptoms that seem “allergic” but don’t fit normal allergy testingSymptoms that improve, at least partially, with mast cell treatment That’s why so many people go years being told“it’s anxiety,”“your labs are normal,” or“that doesn’t make sense.” But it does make sense… when you realize mast cells can affect skin, gut, lungs, blood vessels, brain, and nervous system all at once. MCAS doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it just looks like your body is constantly overreacting to life. #mcas #heds #eds #chronicillness
MCAS symptoms are broad… but some are way more specific than others. Some symptoms clearly point to mast cell activation. Others can overlap with a lot of conditions — which is why so many people get misdiagnosed. More specific to MCAS: Facial flushing, dermatographia, hives, itching, burning skin, swelling (angioedema), throat tightness, random allergic-type reactions, sensitivity to foods/meds/smells/temperature, wheezing or shortness of breath, sudden diarrhea or cramping, anaphylaxis, symptoms that improve with antihistamines Less specific (but still common in MCAS): Brain fog, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, POTS symptoms, palpitations, anxiety/adrenaline surges, insomnia, nausea, bloating, reflux, constipation, muscle and nerve symptoms, hormone flares, temperature dysregulation The biggest clue isn’t just what symptoms you have — it’s the patternMCAS often looks like: Multi-system symptomsSymptoms that flare suddenlySymptoms triggered by random thingsSymptoms that seem “allergic” but don’t fit normal allergy testingSymptoms that improve, at least partially, with mast cell treatment That’s why so many people go years being told“it’s anxiety,”“your labs are normal,” or“that doesn’t make sense.” But it does make sense… when you realize mast cells can affect skin, gut, lungs, blood vessels, brain, and nervous system all at once. MCAS doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it just looks like your body is constantly overreacting to life. #mcas #heds #eds #chronicillness
Simple steps in the right direction! All patients are different. Not everyone has the same improvement with first line therapies so we try more! I have no brand affiliations, not getting paid to say this stuff. What I recommended: Increase salt intake Wear compression (the higher the better) Start Zyrtec and Pepcid Neuroprotek Try cyproheptadine at night Labs checked (although not all facilities are equally reliable when it comes to labs): Histamine Tryptase Chromogranin a Random urine PGD2 Random urine leukotriene E2 This is not medical advice. This video is for educational purposes only. #pots #mcas #venousdisease
Simple steps in the right direction! All patients are different. Not everyone has the same improvement with first line therapies so we try more! I have no brand affiliations, not getting paid to say this stuff. What I recommended: Increase salt intake Wear compression (the higher the better) Start Zyrtec and Pepcid Neuroprotek Try cyproheptadine at night Labs checked (although not all facilities are equally reliable when it comes to labs): Histamine Tryptase Chromogranin a Random urine PGD2 Random urine leukotriene E2 This is not medical advice. This video is for educational purposes only. #pots #mcas #venousdisease
Captured this conversation while vlogging the @allergyasthmahq Social Advocate Summit lunch! I absolutely love when people are curious because that means they care! #mcas #mastcellactivationsyndrome #foodallergieslife #foodallergyawareness
Captured this conversation while vlogging the @allergyasthmahq Social Advocate Summit lunch! I absolutely love when people are curious because that means they care! #mcas #mastcellactivationsyndrome #foodallergieslife #foodallergyawareness
#ada #americanswithdisabilitiesact #mcas #foodallergies
#ada #americanswithdisabilitiesact #mcas #foodallergies
hEDS shows up in weird ways… and not just in our poppy-clicky joints! 🩻 poor proprioception, sensitive gums, slight subluxations and muscle weakness all play a role in our body’s patterns… 🧩 i always encourage clients to tell me everything, even if they think it’s “weird”. chances are, it could be a part of their diagnostic picture. 🙂‍↕️ want to learn more about diagnosing hEDS? i’ve got you. check out my website for more information and a place to book a free consultation! 💛 💻 loveandlightwellnessvt.com #heds #pots #mcas #chronicpain #diagnosis
hEDS shows up in weird ways… and not just in our poppy-clicky joints! 🩻 poor proprioception, sensitive gums, slight subluxations and muscle weakness all play a role in our body’s patterns… 🧩 i always encourage clients to tell me everything, even if they think it’s “weird”. chances are, it could be a part of their diagnostic picture. 🙂‍↕️ want to learn more about diagnosing hEDS? i’ve got you. check out my website for more information and a place to book a free consultation! 💛 💻 loveandlightwellnessvt.com #heds #pots #mcas #chronicpain #diagnosis
The triad of POTS, MCAS, and hEDS is not random. Most patients are given labels… but no one is looking at the one area that could be driving all three: The upper neck. This is where the brainstem sits— the control center for the autonomic nervous system. When the upper neck is structurally misaligned, it can disrupt how the brain and body communicate… → Keeping the nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight (POTS) → Altering immune regulation and histamine response (MCAS) → Contributing to instability and poor structural support (hEDS) Different diagnoses… same system being affected. The problem is—this area is rarely evaluated the right way. That’s why we take a precise, data-driven approach to correcting the upper neck— with no twisting, cracking, or guessing. If you’ve been dealing with POTS, MCAS, or hEDS and still don’t have real answers… If this sounds like you, comment “UPPER NECK” below and I’ll reach out directly. #reels #pots #mcas #dysautonomia #explore
The triad of POTS, MCAS, and hEDS is not random. Most patients are given labels… but no one is looking at the one area that could be driving all three: The upper neck. This is where the brainstem sits— the control center for the autonomic nervous system. When the upper neck is structurally misaligned, it can disrupt how the brain and body communicate… → Keeping the nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight (POTS) → Altering immune regulation and histamine response (MCAS) → Contributing to instability and poor structural support (hEDS) Different diagnoses… same system being affected. The problem is—this area is rarely evaluated the right way. That’s why we take a precise, data-driven approach to correcting the upper neck— with no twisting, cracking, or guessing. If you’ve been dealing with POTS, MCAS, or hEDS and still don’t have real answers… If this sounds like you, comment “UPPER NECK” below and I’ll reach out directly. #reels #pots #mcas #dysautonomia #explore
Wondering if Claritin + Pepcid could change your life! Get tested and treated for MCAS & histamine intolerance! #mcas #sibo #leakygut #histamine #histamineintolerance
Wondering if Claritin + Pepcid could change your life! Get tested and treated for MCAS & histamine intolerance! #mcas #sibo #leakygut #histamine #histamineintolerance
Histamine release is basically pissed off solider cells that are preparing for war. As above, so below 👇🏽 so if the microscopic CELL is angry, it is displaying the emotion we consciously cannot…repressed rage and anger.😡 this often comes from grief and pain. Many of us feel unsafe to be angry, or we think it’s a negative or WRONG emotion….but even Jesus flipped a table over in the temple, so sometimes it’s justified. We just can’t stay there. 🔥 The body always is trying to heal us-so if you don’t process it emotionally and mentally, your body will pick up the slack. I know this from personal experience. I also know you can reverse it. Hacks: 1. @pulsetto.tech use code DrJess 2. @primaltrust_official nervous system regulation 3. EMDR, EFT/tapping, Body code, prayer, meditation, breath work, etc 4. Cromolyn, Ketotifen, Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec-bandaids 5. Spike detox by @twc.health 6. DAo enzyme, depending on genetics 7. Vitamin C, stinging nettles, bromelain, digestive & fibrinolytic enzymes -some more bandaids 8. Find the root cause-emotional (nervous system, trauma) physical (pathogens, mold, toxins) Come see me. I’m a #MCAS expert now!
Histamine release is basically pissed off solider cells that are preparing for war. As above, so below 👇🏽 so if the microscopic CELL is angry, it is displaying the emotion we consciously cannot…repressed rage and anger.😡 this often comes from grief and pain. Many of us feel unsafe to be angry, or we think it’s a negative or WRONG emotion….but even Jesus flipped a table over in the temple, so sometimes it’s justified. We just can’t stay there. 🔥 The body always is trying to heal us-so if you don’t process it emotionally and mentally, your body will pick up the slack. I know this from personal experience. I also know you can reverse it. Hacks: 1. @pulsetto.tech use code DrJess 2. @primaltrust_official nervous system regulation 3. EMDR, EFT/tapping, Body code, prayer, meditation, breath work, etc 4. Cromolyn, Ketotifen, Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec-bandaids 5. Spike detox by @twc.health 6. DAo enzyme, depending on genetics 7. Vitamin C, stinging nettles, bromelain, digestive & fibrinolytic enzymes -some more bandaids 8. Find the root cause-emotional (nervous system, trauma) physical (pathogens, mold, toxins) Come see me. I’m a #MCAS expert now!
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