Managing MCAS
There is currently no cure for MCAS, but there are different approaches that can help reduce symptoms, manage reactions and improve quality of life.
Because symptoms, triggers and responses to treatment vary considerably between people, managing MCAS is usually individual. It may involve a combination of medical treatment, understanding and managing triggers, practical adjustments and planning for times when symptoms worsen.
Finding the right approach can take time, and your management needs may change as your symptoms change.
Medications and treatment
A range of medications may be used to help manage MCAS symptoms. Treatment may include medicines that reduce mast cell activation or block the effects of the mediators mast cells release, alongside treatments for particular symptoms.
There isn't one treatment approach that works for everyone, so finding an effective combination may take time. Medication should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional, particularly if you have experienced reactions to medicines or their ingredients.
Explore medications and treatment here.
Understanding and managing triggers
Understanding what contributes to your symptoms can be an important part of managing MCAS. Triggers vary between individuals and might include food, temperature, fragrances, medications, infections, hormones, physical activity or stress.
The aim isn't necessarily to avoid every possible trigger. Learning your own patterns can help you decide which triggers are most important to manage and where practical changes might make a difference.
Find out more about how to identify your triggers and explore how to manage triggers.
Food and nutrition
Food can be a trigger for some people with MCAS, but there is no single diet or list of foods to avoid that is suitable for everyone.
If you notice a relationship between particular foods and symptoms, keeping a food and symptom diary may help you identify patterns. Significant or prolonged dietary restriction can affect nutrition, so changes should ideally be made with support from an appropriately qualified dietitian or healthcare professional.
Explore food, nutrition and MCAS here.
Routine and flare planning
MCAS symptoms can fluctuate, and there may be times when they become more difficult to manage. Having a plan can make these periods feel more manageable.
This might include understanding your usual early warning signs, knowing what medications or strategies you have been advised to use, keeping important information accessible and planning what to do if symptoms become severe.
Some people also find it helpful to keep essential medications and practical items together when away from home. Explore routine and flare planning here.
Living with MCAS
Managing MCAS isn't only about medications and triggers. Symptoms can affect work or education, relationships, eating, exercise, sleep, social activities and emotional wellbeing.
Small adjustments, pacing activities and finding ways to make everyday situations more manageable can all form part of living with the condition. What helps will depend on your symptoms, circumstances and what matters most to you.
Our practical resources have been developed to help you navigate different aspects of everyday life with MCAS. Explore living with MCAS resources here.
Getting support
You don't have to manage MCAS alone. Connecting with people who understand the challenges of living with the condition can provide practical ideas, reassurance and a sense of community.
Mast Cell Action offers online events, information and resources, online communities and peer support services to help people affected by MCAS and those supporting them.
You can access many of our services whether you have a confirmed diagnosis, are currently being investigated or are supporting someone with MCAS. Find out more about the support we offer.
"Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Mast Cell Action for all the work you do to raise awareness about Mast Cell Activation. The information on the website is so very helpful to share with family and friends and feels like a 'safe space' among all the turmoil this condition brings. I always print off a pile of the PDF symptom infographics and take them with me to every medical appointment I attend. They're a Godsend for busy doctors and nurses - and the response has been so positive. What's more, I recently saw a consultant who was intrigued to hear about my condition. She then mentioned she had similar symptoms and was delighted to take one of the handouts. The receptionist at my local GP practice has also scanned the PDFS into my notes and plans to put one of the posters up in the surgery waiting room to make other people aware of potential triggers. Hooray!" Anonymous, 40-something, Person affected by Mast Cell Activation
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