Ep. 65: The Symptoms and Triggers of Mast Cell Disease
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network. We thank Blueprint Medicines for sponsoring this podcast.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 65:
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Have you ever considered whether your nasal congestion, IBS, brain fog, and hives are related?
Dr. Anne Maitland joins us as we delve into the complex world of mast cell disease. From the confusing range of symptoms to the unpredictable nature of each person's experience, we unravel the mysteries that make mast cell disorders so uniquely difficult to tackle.
Dr. Maitland is an expert in allergy and immunology and sheds light on the diverse manifestations of mast cell dysfunction, from headaches and nasal congestion to gastrointestinal issues and skin reactions like hives.Dr. Maitland emphasizes the importance of recognizing mast cell dysfunction's impact across different organs for accurate diagnosis and management.
What we cover in our episode about mast cell disease:
Symptoms of mast cell disease
How to connect the dots of mast cell disease symptoms
What is a sign that your symptoms are related to mast cells
The job of mast cells and their scientific history
Is an anaphylactic reaction a mast cell disease?
What triggers mast cell disease?
Mast cell targetted medications and how this can hide your symptoms
About our guest - Dr. Maitland
Dr. Maitland is a highly respected physician and a Fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. She was named New York Times' Super Doctors in 2011 and one of America's Top 21 Women's Doctors by Lifescript.com in 2009. Dr. Maitland is actively involved in creating awareness of immune-mediated disorders and researches to enhance treatments for allergies, asthma, and recurrent infections. She specializes in allergic skin disorders, allergic rhinitis, drug allergies, food allergies/sensitivities, asthma, and recurrent infections.
Dr. Maitland holds an MD and PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. She also pursued a Fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
More about Dr. Maitland:
More in the Mast Cell Disease Series:
More resources about mast cell disease:
Mast Cell Disease page: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/mast-cell-diseases/
What is Anaphylaxis? https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/anaphylaxis/
What is Epinephrine? https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/anaphylaxis/what-is-epinephrine/
The Mast Cell Disease Society: https://tmsforacure.org/
Symptoms of Mast Cell Disease
Head and Brain:
Headaches
Brain fog
Mood fluctuations
Nose and Sinuses:
Nasal congestion
Post-nasal drip
Ear fullness
Itching in the nose and throat
Sneezing
Itchy, watery eyes
Respiratory Tract:
Coughing
Chest tightness
Difficulty breathing
Asthma
Musculoskeletal System:
Joint pain and swelling
Digestive System:
Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Bloating
Food intolerances
Alternating diarrhea and constipation
Nutritional deficiencies
Reproductive System:
Menstrual irregularities
Uterine cramps
Urinary System:
Bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis)
Urinary symptoms
Skin:
Itching
Redness
Swelling
Hives
Triggers of Mast Cell Disease
Weather changes
Friction
Vibration
Sudden temperature changes (heat or cold)
Sun/sunlight exposure
Mechanical irritation
Stress
Anxiety
Emotional distress
Foods and drinks (including alcohol)
Allergens
Pollution
Odors (natural or chemical)
Perfumes and scents
Certain medications (opioids, NSAIDs, antibiotics)
Contract dyes
Infections (viral, bacterial, fungal)
Venoms from insects or animals
We thank Blueprint Medicines for sponsoring this podcast.
Ep. 65 The Symptoms and Triggers of Mast Cell Disease Time Stamps
00:01:30 - Symptoms of mast cell disease
00:05:46 - How to connect the dots of mast cell disease symptoms
00:06:36 - What is a sign that your symptoms are related to mast cells
00:07:36 - Mast cell activation syndrome versus an allergy
00:09:06 - Mast cells exposure to triggers
00:09:54 - The job of mast cells and their scientific history
00:10:46 - Is an anaphylactic reaction a mast cell disease?
00:11:32 - What triggers mast cell disease?
00:13:06 - Reaction to anesthetics or antibiotics used during a procedure could be mast cell issues
00:14:06 - Mast cell targeted medications and how this can hide your symptoms
00:16:15 - How often do patients experience the symptoms
