loader from loading.io

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome MCAS

PodcastDX

Release Date: 11/25/2025

The Lymphatic System show art The Lymphatic System

PodcastDX

The lymphatic system, or lymphoid system, is one of the components of the circulatory system, and it serves a critical role in both immune function and surplus extracellular fluid drainage.  Components of the lymphatic system include lymph, lymphatic vessels and plexuses, lymph nodes, lymphatic cells, and a variety of lymphoid organs. The pattern and form of lymphatic channels are more variable and complex but generally parallel those of the peripheral vascular system. The lymphatic system partly functions to convey lymphatic fluid, or lymph, through a network of lymphatic channels,...

info_outline
Pancreatic Cancer show art Pancreatic Cancer

PodcastDX

This week we are talking about Pancreatic cancer.  This is a type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the pancreas. The pancreas lies behind the lower part of the stomach. It makes enzymes that help digest food and hormones that help manage blood sugar. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This type begins in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer rarely is found at its early stages when the chance of curing it is greatest. This is because it often doesn't cause symptoms until...

info_outline
Diabetes Type 1 & 2 show art Diabetes Type 1 & 2

PodcastDX

This week we discuss diabetes mellitus, a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It's also the brain's main source of fuel. The main cause of diabetes varies by type. But no matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems. ​Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes and gestational...

info_outline
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome MCAS show art Mast Cell Activation Syndrome MCAS

PodcastDX

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is when you have unexplained episodes of severe symptoms like swelling, diarrhea, vomiting, flushing and itching. Unlike that happen with a specific exposure, MCAS episodes happen without a clear trigger. In some cases, mast cell activation can cause , a severe allergic condition that can be life-threatening. It can cause you to have trouble breathing and drop your to dangerously low levels. Call 911 (or your local emergency service number) or go to the nearest emergency room if you’re experiencing severe anaphylaxis. are a type of immune cell...

info_outline
Lung Cancer show art Lung Cancer

PodcastDX

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. It’s caused by harmful cells in your lungs growing unchecked. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and targeted drugs. Screening is recommended if you’re at high risk. Advances in treatments have caused a significant decline in lung cancer deaths in recent years. ​ Lung cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled cell division in your . Your cells divide and make more copies of themselves as a part of their normal function. But sometimes, they get changes (mutations) that cause them to keep making...

info_outline
Home Eye Safety show art Home Eye Safety

PodcastDX

Did you know that about half of all eye injuries happen right at home? Home activities that can injure your eyes include: Cleaning. Chemicals like bleach in household cleaning products cause 125,000 eye injuries each year. Home Improvement. Screws, nails and hand tools can launch into the air—and into your eyes. Power tools can also send wood chips or other substances flying into the air. Yard Work. Lawn mowers, trimmers and even shovels can throw dirt and debris into the air. Branches, twigs and thorns can also be dangerous. Unfortunately, only about three out of 10 people wear...

info_outline
Change the Outcome with Nutrition & Exercise show art Change the Outcome with Nutrition & Exercise

PodcastDX

This week we discuss changing the outcome of your health with nutrition & exercise.  Our guest today is Dr. James Thompson, the author of Fearless Wellness and a passionate advocate for transformational change. He completed medical training 35 years ago and has dedicated my career to empowering others to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.  ​He experienced a life-changing event in 2012 and participated in a 2 with my church community. Though the three-week diet, equivalent to a whole food plant-based diet, was intended to emphasize prayer, the impact of the food intrigued...

info_outline
Dangers of Impaired Driving show art Dangers of Impaired Driving

PodcastDX

This week we discuss the dangers of impaired driving.   Impaired driving poses significant dangers, leading to thousands of fatalities and injuries each year due to reduced coordination, judgment, and reaction times. Definition and Causes Statistics Effects of Impairment Preventive Measures Conclusion Impaired driving is a serious public safety issue that leads to numerous preventable deaths and injuries each year. By understanding the dangers and implementing effective preventive measures, we can work towards reducing the incidence of impaired driving and...

info_outline
Falls Prevention show art Falls Prevention

PodcastDX

Falls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. However, falls don't have to be inevitable as you age. You can reduce your chance of falling or help a loved one prevent falls. There are proven ways to reduce and prevent falls, even for older adults. We identify older adults as anyone 65 years and older. ​Physical changes and health conditions — and sometimes the medications used to treat those conditions — make falls more likely as you age. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Still, fear of falling doesn't...

info_outline
BiPolar Revisited show art BiPolar Revisited

PodcastDX

Due to a scheduling glitch we are doing a rerun today of an episode Paris Scobie did with us earlier this year.  Paris is a Mental Health Speaker, Host of the top 1% globally ranked podcast, , & Best-Selling Author of her memoir, . Paris launched Live Well Bipolar to use her lived experience to help others overcome the shame, fear and isolation that can so often accompany living with bipolar. She shares how she went from being a patient struggling from inside the walls of a psychiatric hospital newly diagnosed with bipolar to returning to work at this same hospital years later....

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is when you have unexplained episodes of severe symptoms like swelling, diarrhea, vomiting, flushing and itching. Unlike allergies that happen with a specific exposure, MCAS episodes happen without a clear trigger.

In some cases, mast cell activation can cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic condition that can be life-threatening. It can cause you to have trouble breathing and drop your blood pressure to dangerously low levels. Call 911 (or your local emergency service number) or go to the nearest emergency room if you’re experiencing severe anaphylaxis.

Mast cells are a type of immune cell responsible for immune reactions. For instance, conditions like allergic rhinitis and asthma, allergic reactions (like anaphylaxis to drugs or food) and mastocytosis all activate mast cells. This causes them to release proteins that give you symptoms that are bothersome at best, and dangerous at worst.

Other common conditions can also cause unexplained symptoms. It’s important to discuss your concerns with your provider. They’ll make sure you get a complete workup with a specialist, like an allergist. An allergist is a type of doctor who can diagnose and manage many types of allergic conditions.

But mast cell activation syndrome is rare. Healthcare providers diagnose mast cell activation syndrome if:

  • You have repeated symptoms of possible anaphylaxis without a clear trigger
  • You have more than one body system affected at the same time
  • Tests show signs of mast cell activation
  • Mast cell medications provide relief from your symptoms

(CREDITS: Cleveland Clinic)