Histamine Intolerance and MCAS
Histamine intolerance and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) are two distinct but overlapping conditions which are on the rise. They both involve the release and response to histamine in the body. Histamine intolerance is primarily characterised by the body's inability to properly metabolise and break down histamine. This leads to an accumulation of histamine in the body, which can result in symptoms when histamine-rich foods are consumed.
MCAS can be a debilitating condition in which mast cells, a type of immune cell, are thought to become overactive and release excessive amounts of histamine and other inflammatory compounds. This can lead to systemic and chronic symptoms throughout the body. MCAS is often considered a systemic disorder of mast cells, where the mast cells themselves are dysfunctional or overly sensitive. It is characterised by an abnormal response of mast cells to various triggers, including stress, infections, and environmental factors.
In essence, both histamine intolerance and MCAS may share a common issue: the body's struggle to efficiently break down histamine at the same rate it's produced. While histamine is essential for digestion and overall bodily functions, symptoms can arise when its clearance falls behind. Importantly, MCAS also involves other mediators like tryptase, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes (beyond histamine), which can trigger different reactions.
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