Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: A Primer for the Gastroenterologist.

The article provides an overview of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), highlighting its significance in gastroenterology due to its often-overlooked impact on gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms, such as irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and chronic nausea, are frequently mistaken for functional disorders. The article underlines the importance of recognizing MCAS for accurate diagnosis and management and advocates for the use of both medical history and biomarkers in diagnosis. Treatment primarily involves avoiding triggers and using therapies to modulate mast cell activity, many of which are over-the-counter medications. The authors stress that awareness of MCAS among gastroenterologists can significantly enhance patient outcomes, offering relief to those who have not responded to traditional symptom-targeted treatments.