Tips from the MCAS community
Lots of people with MCAS react to environmental triggers. These are not always easy to detect as it can be difficult to work out what you are being exposed to at different times, especially if there are multiple triggers in your environment. Many people find it useful to keep a diary or journal recording suspected triggers and reactions to help identify individual triggers.
The tips below have been shared by our wonderful community and are solutions which some have found helpful in managing their own MCAS symptoms.
Please remember that everyone will react differently, as we each have a unique set of triggers. When trying something new, please do take care and seek advice from your healthcare provider where appropriate. The information provided here is not intended to be advice, but reflects the personal experiences of some members of our community.
Gastro Symptoms
Lifestyle
"Avoiding foods that are showing signs of ‘turning’ have been of benefit to me."
"I find it i freeze bread so that it lasts longer."
"I have found that eating smaller meals helps me with digestion"
"I try to stay hydrated with electrolytes"
"I have found eating a low histamine diet have improved my symptoms'
"Eating all-natural foods and avoiding additives has helped me"
"For me. Ginger & Peppermint are two good things to have on hand for nausea & stomachaches"
"I have seen an improvement in my symptoms when i lower my stress levels"
"I drink low histamine herbal tea during flare ups"
"Rest is important for me in managing symptoms"
"I find eating lots of vegetables helps with digestion"
"I tend to choose cereal with fibre in it"
Medications/Supplements
"I use Sodium Chromoglicate to assist with inflammation"
"I have found that Quercitin helps with leaky gut"
"Vitamin D has helped to regulate my gastro inflammation"
"Liquid Benadryl helps me with nausea and vomitting"
"I use Diamine oxidase (DAO) supplements to reduce my symptoms of histamine intolerence"
"I take Pepcid (with meals) to help reduce heartburn and reeflux"
"Antihistamines help to reduce the amount of acid in my stomach and therefore help me with reflux"
The below are all available by prescription ONLY
Famotidine (prescription only)
Erythromycin (prescription only)
Zofran (prescription only)
Bladder Symptoms
Lifestyle
Avoid Nightshades
Avoid Caffeine
Avoid Cromolyn
Low acid/low histamine diet
Always use paraben free soap in ‘delicate’ areas
Drink lots of water
Marshmallow root tea
Cammomile Tea
Medications/Supplements
Vasopresson (prescription only)
Histamine Blockers
Famotidine (prescription only)
Antihistamines
Tylonal
Binders
Azos Tablets
Cromolyn
Quercetin
Heart Rate
Lifestyle
"I find lying down with my legs elevated helps"
"Lying in an unstimulated, dark room and deep breathing helps me"
"Using a weighted blanket helps to reduce my anxiety and slow my heart rate"
"I find i feel better if i am well hydrated"
"Maintaining a low histamine and low sugar diet helps"
"I avoid drinking alcohol as it can affect my resting heart rate"
Medications/Supplements
"H1’s and H2’s can help depending on if my heart rate is fast or slow"
The below are all available by prescription ONLY
Low dose of Clonazepam (prescription only)
Betablockers (prescription only)
Pollen Allergies
Lifestyle
"I avoid hanging washing outside"
"I shower and wash my hair when i return home from being outside"
"I use an air filter such as Hepa"
"I find drinking lots of water helps"
"I wear a face mask when i am outside"
"I personally do not keep indoor plants"
"I eat local honey"
Medications/Supplements
"As a drug free treatment, i use Haymax Balm"
"I find Nasal douching with a Saline solution, such as Sterimar helpful"
"I use Reactine, a Ceritizine based allergy medication"
"I used Nalcrom (Sodium Cromoglicate) to help reduce the symotoms of alergic reactions"
Itchiness
Lifestyle
Lying on a cold surface such as leather/vinyl sofa
Cold compress/Towel in the freezer
Spray bottle filled with refrigerated water or rice water
Bathe in cold water or water with oates
Standing on a cool tile floor helps reduce internal neural leg itch
Body lotion (perfume free and free from additives etc.)
Use the extra rinse option on the washing machine
Medications/Supplements
UV arm and leg sleeves
Crush an antihistamine tablet and add it to the body lotion/cream of your choice
Lysine (for hives)
Diphenhydramine cream
Oral Antihistamines
Vicks Vaporub
IV Benedryl
Hydrocortisone cream
Menthol cream
Headaches
Lifestyle
"I have found using a slightly heated eye mask helps to ease pain"
"I find resting in a cool, dark room and hydration to be effective, along with deep breathing exercises"
"I often massage my head, neck and shoulders to release tension"
"I enhale essential oils such as peppermint"
Medications/Supplements
"I use Rizatriptan to treat headaches and migraines"
"I use over the counter pain relief such as Paracetemol"
"I found Acculief (acupressure) to be effective, although it isn't for everyone"
Regulating Temperature
Lifestyle
Scarves and hats
A down gilet
Hot water bottle at night
Microwave hot neck pad
Electric shoulder blanket
Heattech long sleeves
Allowing yourself an extra 15-20 min when going places so that you are not rushing
Stay in the shade whenever possible
Drink extra fluids
Eat low histamine foods
Wear a hat and sunglasses/ use an umbrella or canopy
Coolibar shirts and masks
UV clothing
Medications/Supplements
Hydrolyte Tablets
Flushing
Lifestyle
"I find sipping Ice Water helps to cool me down"
"I use Ice packs wrapped in a towel or cold flannel"
"I bought a Headache Hat (Amazon)"
"I find taking a cool shower helpful"
Medications/Supplements
"I use Zyrtec, a Citirizine antihistimine"
Congestion
Lifestyle
Changing bed sheets regularly
Dusting/Vacuuming regularly
Medications/Supplements
Nasal douching with a Saline solution such as Sterimar
Nasel Inhaler or antihistamine nasal spray such as Dymista, Vicks Sinex, Olbas Oil
Quercin tablets
Allegra D
Hong Thai
Brain Fog
Lifestyle
Stay organised with a calendar of events
Plan ahead where possible
Make lists
Drink caffeine before noon
Medications/Supplements
Active charcoal
Non-drowsy histamines
Probiotics
Joint/Muscle Pain
Lifestyle
"Open water swimming is good for me but for some people it can be a trigger"
"I have a bath or foot soak with Epsom Salts"
"Gentle Yoga/mindfullness can be helpful for relaxation of my muscles"
"I find walking is helpful for me"
"Regular stretching helps me to keep my muscles and joints loose and flexible"
"Sufficient rest/sleep has always been helpful for me"
"Massage is good for me to relax my muscles"
Medications/Supplements
"I have found that taking Magnesium supplements has helped with some of my joint and muscle pain"
"I use heat pads on the effected area"
"I use over the counter pain relief like Paracetemol"
"I have used CBD Oil/Gummies in the past to manage pain"
Recommended Products
Washing powder/liquid:
Branch Basics, Fairy Non Bio, Lidl all in one capsules, Daz, Surecare, Comfort Pure, Ecover Zero, Sheets Laundry Club Free & Clear, Attitude Unscented, Tide Free & Gentle, Fragrance Free Bio-D washing powder, Arm and Hammer Washing soda, Persil, Eco Leaf, Free and Clear, Seventh Generation Free & Clear, Zum Bar Soap – Indigo wild, Laundery Egg,
Softener:
White vinegar, such as minime unscented, spirit vinegar
Dish/Liquid soap:
Surecare, Ecozone unscented
Cleaning:
Pure apple vinegar, Ecover
Shower Gel:
Norwex Cloths, Faith in Nature – Fragrance Free, Aveeno, Shikai, Simple, Ingreendients body wash, Dove
Soap:
Simple, Basic, Cetaphil, CeraVe, Seventh Generation
Become a friend
Sign up to become a Friend of Mast Cell Action so we can keep you up to date on our progress and on how to get involved in our latest campaigns and initiatives.
Donate
Mast Cell Action relies entirely on the generosity of people like you. Please make a donation now and together we can make a difference to those affected by MCAS.