Seasonal Allergies & Mast Cells

Part One in Our Seasonal Allergy Blog Series

Spring is right around the corner, which means those of us with seasonal allergies, asthma, autoimmunity, and other complex chronic conditions are in for several long months of sneezing, nose-blowing, nasal congestion, skin itching, and irritated, watering eyes. These annoying allergy symptoms tend to linger until early summer rolls around, but of course, it all depends on the weather (like rain, wind, humidity, and temperature) and where in the world we live. 

Many of us also experience seasonal allergy symptoms in the fall and winter, while others — especially those with complex chronic medical conditions — deal with allergies all year long. We’re typically told to use antihistamines and nasal sprays to manage our symptoms until allergy season passes, but these treatments don’t work for everyone — and in many cases — something much larger (like mast cell activation syndrome or MCAS) may be at play. 

To help our readers get to the bottom of their allergy symptoms, our Seasonal Allergy Blog Series will uncover several potential root causes of allergies in the fall, spring, summer, and winter. Read on to learn more about MCAS and stay tuned in the coming months as we look at some other potential seasonal allergy root causes! 

Seasonal Allergies & Mast Cell Activation Syndrome/MCAS

MCAS often occurs in those with overburdened immune systems, causing mast cells (allergy cells) to activate when exposed to various toxins and allergens — including both harmful and harmless allergens. Mast cells then release chemicals (which may include histamine, tryptase, serotonin, and more than 200 others) to protect the body from foreign invaders. Some people with MCAS may also have histamine intolerance, but the two conditions don’t always occur simultaneously. 

When mast cells activate, they cause us to react to just about anything we come into contact with (from seasonal allergens and chemicals to mold and mycotoxins). MCAS sometimes causes individuals to become sensitive to foods, personal care products, electromagnetic fields (EMFs), light, touch, smells, and sounds as well. 

In addition to these triggers and other common allergens like tree pollen, mold spores, grass, and ragweed, those with MCAS and complex chronic conditions may react to these seasonally related triggers:

• Bites from mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, ants, and spiders.
• Stings from bees and wasps.
• Smoke from fireplaces and campfires.
• Chlorine.
• Ingredients found in holiday treats and candies.
• Scented holiday decor (e.g. Christmas trees, wreaths, and candles).

In his book, Toxic: Heal Your Body from Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and Chronic Environmental Illness, Dr. Neil Nathan estimates that MCAS is present in about 10 percent of the population. Ultrasensitive individuals (which is often the case in those with complex chronic conditions) are even more likely to have MCAS. It’s estimated that MCAS affects about 50 percent of sensitive individuals. 

Is MCAS the root cause of your seasonal allergies?

If you suffer from a complex chronic condition and/or don’t seem to respond to antihistamines and nasal sprays, MCAS could very well be at the root of your seasonal allergies or year-round allergy symptoms. And in this case, it can be helpful to supplement with natural mast cell stabilizers like quercetin, moringa, and nettle. 

Eating foods such as onions, turmeric, peaches, and brazil nuts are other great options for calming down mast cells and reducing seasonal allergy symptoms. For some, low-histamine diets can be helpful as well. We’ll discuss histamine intolerance in a future post. 

Common symptoms of MCAS include:

• Typical allergy symptoms such as postnasal drip, rhinitis, congestion, bronchitis, itching, wheezing, skin rashes, and eye irritation. 
• Skin-related symptoms such as hives, redness, and flushing (especially after exposure to a trigger).
• Symptoms that appear immediately after eating or drinking (e.g. flushing, itching, wheezing, abdominal pain, or diarrhea). 
• Other head-to-toe symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, dizziness, unexplained aches and pains, and anxiety. 

Other Potential Root Causes of Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

In addition to MCAS, there are several other potential root causes of seasonal allergies. These include:

• Histamine overload.
• Gut microbial imbalances.
• Food intolerances and sensitivities.
• Autoimmune thyroid Disease (Hashimoto’s).
• Mold exposure and mold toxicity.
• Chronic stress.
• Vitamin deficiencies. 

We’ll dive into each of these potential root causes as our Seasonal Allergy Blog Series continues.

Let’s Uncover Your Root Cause of Seasonal Allergies

Though allopathic allergists tend to focus on the management and treatment of allergy symptoms, what they don’t often do is get to the root cause of why our immune systems are reacting to these triggers in the first place. That’s where functional and naturopathic medicine come in. 

As root-cause practitioners, Dr. Fox and I combine the best of both worlds so we can find out exactly why you’re reacting to tree pollen; mold spores; ragweed; grass; and other triggers like insect stings, bites (including tick bites), and smoke. And in our Seasonal Allergy Blog Series, we’re going to help you uncover your potential root cause(s) of seasonal allergies so you, too, can start figuring out why you’re reacting to your environment and feeling so poorly as the seasons change (or all year long). 

Stay tuned over the next few months to uncover more potential root causes of your seasonal allergy symptoms!

Ready to get to the root cause of your seasonal allergies? Learn about the Doctor-Coach Model and book a call with us today.