People living with MCAS may experience common allergic symptoms like itching and sneezing.
This article explains what is known about MCAS and its symptoms and causes.
It presents how healthcare providers continue working toward a consensus on MCAS diagnosis and treatment.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
What Causes MCAS?
At the present time, MCAS is thought to be a family of disorders with several potential causes.
These are classified as primary, secondary, oridiopathic(no clearly identified cause).
In primary MCAS, the cause is an abnormality in the mast cells themselves.
Monoclonal MCAS is another primary disorder, in which an abnormal clone of mast cells causes the symptoms.
People with secondary MCAS have triggers that provoke an exaggerated immune response.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of MCAS can be difficult.
Currently, there isnt a test that decisively indicates whether or not someone has MCAS.
However, key diagnostic criteria have been identified although new views continue to emerge.
Lab tests can help support the diagnosis, with tryptase levels in the blood generally considered the most reliable.
Sometimes, no matter how hard you attempt to avoid potential triggers, the condition flares up anyway.
Online groups and forums are available for sharing treatment strategies, resources, and support.
This leads to excessive allergic-like response with many potential causes, including genetic changes identified by the evolving research.
The development of specific diagnostic criteria continues to progress.
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