Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS),
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) & Dysautonomia
When your body reacts to everything.
What is Dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia is defined as a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Your autonomic nervous system is most well known for including your sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems. Less well known, but equally as important is your enteric nervous system (your ‘gut brain’). These systems work together to regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory system, dilation of youur eyes, digestion, temperature, blood flow, urination and metabolism.
POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) is one form of dysautonomia. People with POTS experience a substantial changes in heart rate and blood pressure leading to sometimes debilitating symptoms: fainting, dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches/migraines, blurry vision, brain fog and weakness.
MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) involves excessive activation of mast cells, a type of immune cell that releases histamine. Inappropriate histamine release impacts headaches/migraines, digestion, nausea, vomiting, hives, itchy skin, diarrhea and heart rate to name a few.
Maple Health & Wellness Clinic commonly sees a triad of POTS, MCAS and hEDS (hypermobile- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome).
Why do POTS, MCAS & hEDS so often overlap?
The connection between these conditions is complex and not fully understood. A combination of genetic predisposition, immune activation, inflammation, dysautonomia, infections, hormonal changes, gastrointestinal concerns and other possible underlying factors can contribute to the overall picture. This is why treating each diagnosis separately may not always address everything you are experiencing or create long lasting relief.
What can contribute to Dysautonomia?
Post-viral illness, including Long COVID and Epstein Barr Virus
Lyme disease and co-infections
Chronic infections
Mold and mycotoxin illness
Nutritional deficiencies
Inflammatory conditions
Mast cell activation
Nervous system dysregulation
When drinking electrolytes for POTS and taking an anti-histamine for MCAS is not enough.
You may be doing everything already - taking beta blockers, drinking 5g sodium per day, taking loratadine and famotidine daily - but you are still exhausted, unable to do the things you love and be the person you want to be.
MCAS and POTS management is very important, but looking beyond the diagnosis and symptomatic management is valuable.
Conditions that can overlap with MCAS & POTS
Ehlers Danlos syndrome
Long COVID
Migraines
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Gastropareies
Chronic fatigue
Fibromyalgia
Autoimmune diseases
You do not have to explain every symptom separately
it is incredibly frustrating for patients to have multiple specialists managing each symptom separately. And even more frustrating to be told each symptom is unrelated and does not make up a larger picture. Sometimes the most useful question is not “what treats this symptom” but “what might be going on underneath the surface that is contributing to all these symptoms happening together”
What can you expect when working with Dr Hall, ND
Dr Cynthia Hall is a naturopathic doctor in California, Colorado and New Hampshire. She is passionate about treating complex conditions overlapping multiple contributing factors and impacting multiple systems.
Her 75 minute Initial Consultations are structured to optimize the time available for you to share your whole story, to discuss symptoms in a robust manner, decide on most valuable testing, and make a plan you can get started with right away.
Dr Hall believes in the partnership needed for effective long term healing. She recommends followups every 4-6 weeks for the initial treatment phase. She is available for telehealth appointments and combines conventional medicine with well-researched herbal treatments and integrative medical care. She believes you are a team, and will always discuss with you her personalized approach.
Schedule Your Consultation Here
