What's triggering my mast cells?
The wide array of ways that mast cells can degranulate.
By both direct activation and cell-mediated reactions to receptors on the surface of the mast cells, a degranulation of the cells leads release of mast cell chemical mediators (I've heard estimates of 390).
These mediators include serotonin, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, heparin, and proteases.
For most these reactions go on behind the scenes all day long and not much is noticed
Yet for the chemically sensitive , chronically infected, environmentally toxin-burdened, autoimmune patient ; these mast cells may be degranuating to the point of developing a secondary mast cell activation condition called MCAS. Note: there are other disorders Mast Cell Activation Disorder (MCAD)-which is not exactly what I am talking about. And Histamine intolerance which is also not what I am talking about.
These mast cells can be activated by cell-mediated responses such as IgE allergies (ie. mold allergy) or t-cell mediated- chronic viral infections or autoimmunity .
They can also be activated by binding direct factors such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) which are bacterial debris that comes from gut dysbiosis. Or from binding hormones, certain medications, and direct by pathogen binding.
When mast cells are active the symptoms are vast starting from itchy, rashy, wheezy, sneezy, brain-foggy, malaise, swelling, mood changes, focus changes, anxiety, insomnia, and so much more. This post doesn't do justice to the wide variety of MCAS symptoms (See Dr. Larry Afrin's work for this information).
The thing that people need to understand is that it's never just one thing that activates these receptors it's the "bucket" of triggers that might be going on in the body.
The other thing that people need to understand is that mast cells are residents all over the body including the brain, connective tissue, gut, bladder, and skin. I personally view them as part of the bodies "connectome" ; cells that tie everything together.
For the chronically activated MCAS scenario it requires a lot of testing , sleuthing , removing, restoring, and balancing these triggers until balanced is restored. In the meantime there are a lot of stabilizing medications and supplements to help calm the storm.