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This week's topic: MCAS vs Histamine Intolerance vs Mastocytosis
Test your knowledge on MCAS!
- What is the difference between mastocytosis and MCAS?
- What is the difference between histamine intolerance and MCAS?
Overview of today's email:
- MCAS vs Mastocytosis vs Histamine Intolerance
- An interesting tip...
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MCAS vs Mastocytosis vs Histamine Intolerance
Mastocytosis vs MCAS
- MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome) = inappropriate and hyperactive mast cell degranulation
- Mastocytosis = a rare abnormal accumulation of mast cells, often accompanied by organ damage; 3 types of mastocytosis
Note, MCAS can have similar symptoms to systemic mastocytosis, but the primary difference between the two is that systemic mastocytosis will meet the major or minor criteria for mastocytosis (and these criteria involve testing or biopsies).
MCAS vs Histamine Intolerance
- Histamine Intolerance (HIT) = imbalance between histamine intake and histamine metabolism; often categorized primarily as a food intolerance, and most patients with this struggle with breaking down histamine (symptoms are from histamine overload)
- MCAS = many similar symptoms, but MCAS symptoms are from the inappropriate release of histamine by mast cells
Note, HIT and MCAS involve the use of anti-histamines in treatment, and those with HIT are more likely to experience significant (and sustained) improvements with a low histamine diet.
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An Interesting Tip...
In my research for updating my MCAS knowledge-base, I learned that famotidine (Pepcid AC) is anti-inflammatory and can also act on the vagus nerve! (article)
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Interested in creating an "UpToDate" for MCAS with me?
Join me for the MCAS Intensive "Workshop"!
We started this workshop last week, and we are going over treatments this week. All review webinar recordings are available on the platform (Circle app) for 3 months!
What you'll get:
- Expert guidance on MCAS diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management (guest expert speakers included!)
- Support, inspiration, and access to a Google document for creating a complete, organized clinical reference document you can use in clinic
- Peer insights and discussions with other clinicians on managing MCAS
- Quizzes to test your knowledge
Dates: March through May 2026
- March 1st-14th is focused on practical, live reviews of MCAS biology, triggers, diagnosis, testing, and treatments
- The remaining time will involve tips from guest speakers, open office hours, and collaboration with colleagues!
Days and Times: Live review webinars, from March 1st-14th, on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 3pm MST (5pm EST)
- Periodic Open Office Hours through April and May
Cost: $99
Hope to see you tomorrow for the next webinar (we're going over 25 different pharmaceutical treatments for MCAS)!
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I hope this was clinically useful!
Stay safe and healthy,
Meg
Additional resources that may be helpful:
New resource - A 2-page clinical reference document on Leaky Gut Syndrome ($49). Code LGS10 for $10 off through March! I am creating a series of these and have been calling them my "back up brain" (BUBs), but am professionally calling these Evidence Essentials :)
Every time one of you chooses to support me financially, it tells me my effort and words matter. It’s validation. It’s fuel.
Thank you for believing in this work — and in me.
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