Now Offering Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) Care

What is MCAS?

Mast cells are part of the immune system. They help the body respond to infection and injury, and they play a role in allergic reactions. When activated, they release chemicals that can cause itching, flushing, swelling, stomach upset, wheezing, and more. In MCAS, these reactions can happen repeatedly and involve several body systems at once.

Common MCAS symptoms

• Flushing, hives, itching, or skin redness
• Swelling of the lips, eyelids, or face
• Abdominal pain, nausea, or bowel changes
• Lightheadedness, fast heartbeat, or feeling weak during a flare
• Brain fog, fatigue, and bladder issues

These symptoms do not automatically mean MCAS. They also appear with more common conditions, which is why a careful evaluation matters.

Why MCAS is so often missed

MCAS is a debated diagnosis among specialists, and its symptoms overlap with allergies, chronic hives, asthma, and irritable bowel symptoms. Many patients see several providers before MCAS is considered. Lab work helps, but testing alone is positive in only about 30% of cases, so we do not rely on it alone.

Our approach to MCAS diagnosis and treatment

Dr. Maaz focuses on improving quality of life, not just lab results. Your evaluation starts with your story: which symptoms, how often, which body systems, and what seems to set them off. Treatment is personalized and may include trigger avoidance, antihistamines, other mast cell targeted medicines, biologic therapy, and an emergency plan if you are at risk of severe reactions. There is currently no cure for MCAS, but significant control is possible, and we currently manage 130 patients with MCAS.

When to seek urgent help

Call 911 right away for swelling of the tongue, throat, or lips, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or fainting.