A UK-based doctor has urged people to speak with their GP about a “rare” and “fairly new” condition that, he says, can trigger almost any symptom, particularly in cases where the cause of an illness remains unclear.Dr Asif Ahmed, a private GP and medical content creator known online as dra_says, explained that this condition is often difficult to diagnose and may be affecting far more people than currently recognised.In one of his recent TikTok videos, Dr Ahmed said, “If you’ve got symptoms that no doctor seems able to explain, this new condition is something you should know about.”According to a report by the Daily Record, Dr Ahmed believes many patients may have been misdiagnosed with other conditions instead of what is known as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), a disorder he describes as relatively new and still not widely understood.What Is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a health condition in which mast cells—immune cells that normally help protect the body—release chemicals inappropriately, leading to repeated bouts of symptoms that can affect different organs.People with MCAS may experience flushing, hives, stomach pain, diarrhoea, breathing trouble, or headaches. These episodes can be brought on by a wide range of triggers, including stress, certain foods, or medications. Although research is still ongoing, experts believe MCAS is linked to an overactive or overly sensitive immune response involving mast cells.Dr Asif Ahmed explained that mast cells exist throughout the body and are designed to support immune defence. He said that the feeling is somewhat similar to having an allergic reaction, but for those with MCAS, the reaction is stronger and usually affects more than one system in the body.He told his audience: “These cells are always on the lookout for allergens, and when they detect one, they release histamine, which causes all those unpleasant symptoms. In MCAS, though, they’re triggered by things that shouldn’t normally set them off—like certain foods, temperature changes, or even stress.”Warning Signs Of MCAS To Watch For:Low blood pressureFlushing (warm, red, or pink skin)Itchy skinHivesNasal congestionSwelling of the face, lips, eyes, tongue, or throat (angioedema)Constipation or diarrhoea (sometimes alternating)Abdominal painVomitingShortness of breathWeakness or faintingAnaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction involving several of the above symptoms)Even with such a broad range of symptoms, Dr Ahmed warned that MCAS is not easy to confirm through a routine examination. He said: “Almost any symptom can appear with this condition, which makes it extremely difficult to diagnose.”According to him, standard test results often come back normal or borderline, which adds to the challenge of identifying it. Although there are specialist tests available, he noted that “these are not yet widely accessible through the NHS.”Currently, there is no specific cure or single form of treatment for MCAS. Managing the condition largely depends on identifying and avoiding personal triggers, which is why keeping a diary can be helpful. The Cleveland Clinic also notes that certain medications may ease symptoms, particularly H1 and H2 receptor blockers, more commonly known as antihistamines.
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