When I diagnose Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), I use the Consensus 2 criteria. This method moves beyond the traditional tryptase-level criteria of Consensus 1, and focuses instead on symptom charts, response to treatment and specific lab tests. I’ve found this method to work impeccably. Many practitioners are not aware of mast cell activation syndrome and the complexity of how it can present, or either continue to use the outdated Consensus 1 approach or, worse, revert to an understanding

I’ll never forget the patient who first opened my eyes to mast cell activation syndrome 💭💭💭 It was back in 2015 — she had these complex symptoms I just couldn’t piece together. Nothing fit. But I was determined to figure it out. One night, I stumbled across something I’d never heard of: mast cell activation syndrome. Some of her symptoms lined up, but I thought, “There’s no way.” It seemed too rare. I mentioned it to her anyway… and it just so happened her family member worked at the NIH. He

I’ve been “enjoying” NOT having mast cell reactions for a couple of months, and then out of nowhere, this. 🤯 Mast cell activation syndrome is a rare condition that causes severe symptoms in several bodily systems. Symptoms, for me, include: rash, itching, swelling, headache, diarrhea, rapid heart rate & POTS flare up, blurry vision, ringing in my ears, nausea, exhaustion, and overall feeling like I suddenly have the flu or something. It’s very frustrating! Hard to manage. Not curable. Chronic.