35. Reeducating Mast Cells with Anne Maitland, MD, PhD

In this podcast episode, Dr. Anne Maitland discusses the critical role of mast cells in the body and what occurs when they dysfunction, leading to conditions such as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). She emphasizes that mast cells, which are crucial for recognizing and responding to tissue injury, can become overly reactive due to environmental changes and stressors, mistakenly perceiving harmless substances as threats. This misbehavior can manifest as various symptoms across different body systems, making diagnosis and management complex. Dr. Maitland also discusses the overlap of MCAS with conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), exploring the challenges in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. She highlights the importance of reeducating mast cells to function correctly, akin to reprogramming them to downplay false alarms. The episode also emphasizes the need for better education for both patients and healthcare providers on recognizing and managing these conditions.