Mast Cell Disease (Part 1) - An Introduction

WHAT ARE MAST CELLS?

Mast cells are a type of white blood cell. They are immune cells that live inside the bone marrow and body tissues.

*They are mainly located at the skin, at the mucosa of the lungs, digestive tract, the mouth, the inside of the eyelids and nose.

WHAT DO MAST CELLS DO?

Mast cells are the 'master regulator' of our immune system. They defend the tissues of where they are located from diseases. **They defend our system against parasite infections and play important roles in allergic reactions.

Click on LINK to understand more about mast cells.

THE DISEASE

Unfortunately, mast cells disease is on the rise and there are two main forms:

1. Mastocytosis - This is where the body produces too many mast cells.

To read more on mastocytosis, click on LINK.

2. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) - Normal amount of mast cells which are too easily activated by triggers.

• Symptoms such as skin rashes, abdominal pain, flushing, bloating, nausea, vomiting, headaches and even anaphylaxis. 
• Triggers can be heat, cold, stress, smells, medication, food and etc. 

*taken from HERE
**taken from HERE

You can join the Mastocytosis Society. Click HERE to do so and to find out more about this condition.