How can MCAS affect you?

MCAS occurs when the mast cells within your body don’t function properly.

The most common signs and symptoms are:

  • Fatigue
  • Dermographism (a condition in which light scratching of the skin causes raised, red lines)
  • Pain all over your body (Fibromyalgia)
  • Near fainting and fainting
  • Headache
  • Itching/nettle rash
  • Tingling
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Chills
  • Skin swelling, which moves around the body
  • Eye irritation
  • Breathlessness.

Other signs although less common:

  • Variable blood pressure
  • Excessive heart rate
  • Blocked nose
  • Wheezing
  • Flushing
  • Diarrhoea
  • Abdominal cramps.

On rare occasions a severe allergic reaction can occur called anaphylaxis which includes rapid swelling of skin and tissues particularly around the mouth and airways.

What can trigger your symptoms?

Triggers can vary and sometimes it can be difficult to identify the cause. If you do identify a trigger please try to avoid this. Some common triggers are listed below:

  • Alcohol
  • Heat
  • Medication
  • Medical procedures
  • Wasp/bee stings or insect bites
  • Fever or infection
  • Exercise
  • Physical stimulation (e.g. pressure, friction)
  • Emotions/stress
  • Foods
  • Perfumes
  • Bacteria/mould
  • Menstrual cycle.

What treatment options are there?

Although there is no permanent cure for MCAS, management of the condition is based on avoiding triggers and medication to control symptoms.

Antihistamines can be used to dampen down the effect of histamine released by the mast cell. You may be asked to start taking a trial of dual antihistamines for three months.

A dual regimen means that you will take two types of antihistamines daily. You will then be reviewed at three months to explore the effects on your symptoms.

Other medication may be used if symptoms are severe.

Do you have any symptoms of MCAS?

If you feel you are being affected by MCAS and you are currently being seen by the Long COVID Service in St Helens, please contact us. If you are not being seen the Long COVID Service please contact your own GP.

Resources

Our patients matter

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team.

Phone: 0151 471 2377

Freephone: 0800 328 2941

Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk

To request this leaflet in an alternative format or language, please speak to a member of staff.

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
V7 Building, Kings Business Park, Prescot L34 1PJ

Contact details

Phone: 01744 621 695

Email: MCN-TR.long-covidsthelens@nhs.net


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