Demystifying Mast Cells: How To Get The Right Diagnosis

In this podcast episode, host Haylie Pomroy talks with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and the importance of proper diagnosis and management. Dr. Theoharides, a leading expert in mast cells and neuroinflammation, explains the role of mast cells in the body and how their activation can lead to a range of symptoms, including those not traditionally recognized as allergies. He offers practical advice on patient-doctor communication to improve diagnosis and care. He stresses the importance of clear symptom reporting and discusses the lack of awareness around MCAS, which often leads to patients seeing multiple doctors over many years before receiving a proper diagnosis. Dr. Theoharides also highlights the role of neuroinflammation and the potential future research directions at the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine where he works.