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Understanding SAMA = Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a rare disorder characterized by excessive activation of mast cells, a type of immune system cell found throughout the body, whose role is to trigger an immune response to pathogen aggression.

In mast cell activation syndrome, mast cells are inappropriately activated, leading to the excessive release of substances such as histamine and other inflammatory mediators in the body. This activation can be triggered by stimuli such as stress, exercise, temperature changes, food, medication and even emotions.

Symptoms of SAMA can vary considerably from person to person, and can include rashes, itching, flushing, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, memory and concentration problems, chronic fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. Symptoms may be intermittent or chronic, and may mimic those of other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.

Treatment of SAMA involves avoiding known triggers, using medications to control symptoms, and taking steps to reduce the overall histamine load in the body. Antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers are often used to treat MAS symptoms, while low-histamine diets can help reduce the overall histamine load in the body. Stress management and regular exercise can also help reduce symptoms.

Understanding Histamine Intolerance Syndrome (HITS)

Histamine intolerance syndrome (HITS) is a disorder characterized by the body’s difficulty in metabolizing and eliminating histamine, a naturally occurring substance produced by the body and present in certain foods. As a result, an excessive accumulation of histamine can occur in the body, causing a variety of symptoms.

Histamine-rich foods include smoked fish, aged cheese, red wine, fermented foods such as kimchi and kombucha, citrus fruits and tomatoes. Symptoms of HMIS can include headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, itching, skin rashes, flushing, dizziness, sleep disturbances, breathing problems and heart palpitations. Symptoms may appear rapidly after ingestion of histamine-rich foods, but may also be delayed.

Treatment generally consists of avoiding histamine-rich foods and following a low-histamine diet. Antihistamines can also be helpful in relieving symptoms. In some cases, supplements of enzymes that help metabolize histamine may also be recommended. It’s important to note that the symptoms of SIGH can be similar to those of other disorders, so it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.