Anne Maitland - Living with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

Dr. Anne Maitland's presentation discusses Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), which involves inappropriate mast cell activation causing symptoms across multiple organ systems. Common symptoms include skin, gastrointestinal, neurological, and respiratory issues, often leading to a delayed diagnosis due to the current lack of awareness and diagnostic tools among healthcare providers. Dr. Maitland emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, involving a coordinated team of practitioners and consideration of possible comorbidities, like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and dysautonomia. Improvements often come through medications like antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers, but she also highlights environmental modifications and improved tolerance through reducing body stress. Recognizing MCAS requires a multifaceted effort to identify exacerbating factors and involves collaboration between patients and a knowledgeable healthcare team.