Dealing with mastocytosis, a rare, incurable disease. Mastocytosis concerns the mast cells in the body. People suffering with mastocytosis have too many mast cells and they do not work properly. Mast cells help the body to fight off foreign substances. They are most commonly involved in allergic reactions. When a person comes into contact with an allergen that their body cannot tolerate, the mast cells release histamine resulting in symptoms. For instance, an allergy to pollen may result in runny nose, watery eyes, etc. An allergy to a lotion may result in hives. An allergy to a food can result in GI issues or be as severe as anaphylaxis. Someone with mastocytosis, with too many mast cells, can have severe reactions to triggers known or unknown. The mast cells contain many chemicals, including histamine. When these mast cells are triggered, they can degranulate, and release their contents all at once, or they can slowly leak their contents in response to a trigger. This can cause many acute and potentially serious symptoms, which include, but are not limited to, the following: Abdominal pain Anaphylaxis Blood pressure changes & shock Bone pain (mild to severe/debilitating) Chest pain Cognitive difficulties/brain fog Degenerative disc disease Diarrhea Dizziness/vertigo/lightheadedness Faintness Fatigue Flushing Gastroesophageal reflux Hematological abnormalities Hives & other rashes Inflammation of the esophagus Intestinal cramping and bloating Itching, with and without rashes Irritable bowel Liver, spleen and other organ involvement Malabsorption Migraine headaches Muscle pain Nausea Osteoporosis/Osteopenia Peripheral neuropathy and paresthesias Rapid heart rate Vomiting
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