Definition:
Mast cell disease or mastocytosis is a group of rare disorders marked by the presence of too many mast cells in various organs and tissues such as the skin, spleen, liver, bone, and the gastrointestinal tract.
Diagnosis:
A biopsy of the skin patches can help in the diagnosis of Mast cell disease as well as urine or blood test that is aimed to detect elevated levels of histamine.
Treatment:
There is still no cure for Mast cell disease but there are several medications that can help in the treatment and management of the symptoms. For example:
* Antihistamines
* Epinephrine to constrict blood vessels and open airways for adequate circulation
* Mast cell stabilizers to aid in inhibiting the release of the chemical contents of the mast cells
* Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Symptoms and Signs:
Individuals inflicted with mast cell disease usually presents the following signs and symptoms:
* Itching
* Bone and joint pain
* Muscle pain
* Abdominal discomfort
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Ulcers in the stomach
* Lesions in the skin that are usually popular and itchy when stroked
* Headache
* Flushing
* Shock
* Faintness
* Inappropriately low blood pressure
* Runny nose (rhinorrhea)
* Wheezing
* Dizziness
* Brown skin patches
* Low volume of white blood cells (leucopenia)
* Reduced blood platelet count
* Enlarged liver
* Enlarged spleen
Causes:
The cause of mast cell disease is still unknown.
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