MCAS in developmental & behavioral pediatrics with Donna Kirchoff, MD, FAAP: Mast Cell Matters with Dr. Tania Dempsey

In this podcast episode, Dr. Donna Kirchoff, an integrative developmental and behavioral pediatrician, discusses her approach to treating children with conditions like autism, PANS, PANDAS, often involving Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), with Dr. Tania Dempsey. Dr. Kirchoff explains that her role involves detective work to identify underlying causes of developmental and behavioral issues, often noticing a connection between allergies and mood or behavior changes. She shares that she diagnoses MCAS by assessing symptoms, family history, and response to treatments, often using vitamins and dietary changes initially. She emphasizes the need for stabilization of mast cells, which she often approaches with lifestyle changes such as whole foods diets and identification of environmental triggers before considering pharmacological treatments. The episode also explores the potential overlap between MCAS and neuropsychiatric disorders like PANS and PANDAS, and the importance of stress and environmental factors in these conditions.