Mast cells are a particular type of white blood cell. They normally help our immune system function properly, and help protect us from disease according to Mayo Clinic. However, this system can enter runaway during a medical condition doctors call Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). An international team of scientist have identified a link from this to Long Post COVID syndrome.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome at a Glance
National Institutes of Health’s Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center explains how MCAS triggers repeated severe allergy symptoms. When this happens, the mast cells release too many chemical agents, it explains. And this in turn causes allergic responses in skin, gastrointestinal tract, heart, respiratory, and neurologic systems.
However, the symptoms can vary from episodes of abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, flushing, itching, and wheezing to coughing. And also light headedness, rapid pulse, and low blood pressure too. There is no cure at this point in time according to Health Line. But there are treatments to contain the allergic responses.
Possible Link Between MCAS and Long Post COVID
The team of international researchers uncovered the following evidence suggesting a relationship exists between MCAS and Long Post COVID:
- Post COVID syndrome may develop in association with MCAS.
- Persistent inflammatory reactions may contribute to Post COVID.
- However, a variety of treatments are available to inhibit MCAS reactions.
Their research report concludes that MCAS, during a primary COVID infection, predicts the severity of any subsequent Post COVID syndrome. And that therefore treating the former may reduce the impact of the latter. This is especially relevant in terms of ‘systemic complications and long-term organ dysfunction’.
Their finding may only be one small part of the Post COVID-19 puzzle. However, it may have greater significance in the future, as more research unpicks the mystery of this frustratingly debilitating condition.
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Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center Link
