The expert said people might want to consider this common but overlooked conditon
Heartburn that lasts for hours could be a warning of a common but overlooked condition(Image: Getty)
People who struggle with heartburn that lasts for hours, and medicine doesn’t seem to help, are being urged to ask their doctor to consider a certain medical condition as a possibility. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) can often seem like it causes random or unexplained symptoms, but it might be why heartburn or acid reflux isn’t getting better.
NHS GP Dr Asif Ahmed, MBBS, MRCGP, BSc, who shares health information online under the username @Dra_says on TikTok and Instagram, claimed some people may not be aware they have an “overlooked” medical problem. He said: “If you’ve got ongoing heartburn or reflux that’s not getting better despite treatment, and in particular if it lasts all day, then please go to your doctor.”
The practising GP claimed that people might be taking medication like lansoprazole or omeprazole to combat this burning problem, but it might not be enough. He suggested that people consider asking their doctor to investigate a possible case of MCAS.
The medic said: “The key thing that often stands out with these patients is that they say their heartburn or reflux lasts for many hours, over 12 hours in some cases or all day. This shouldn’t be the case with normal reflux, which makes me think of potential MCAS.”
The syndrome is an increasingly common condition in the UK. People often have a range of symptoms that seem unlinked, such as:
fatigueheadachesskin writing (dermograhism)body pain (fibromyalgia)itching (feels like nettle rash)skin swellingeye irritationContent cannot be displayed without consentWhat is MCAS?
Dr Ahmed explained that MCAS is a condition that causes the body to release histamines, a natural response of the immune system that is typically triggered during an allergic reaction. In MCAS, the trigger that sets off this response is often unclear and usually not an actual allergy.
In some cases, mast cell activation can cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic condition that can be life-threatening. It can cause you to have trouble breathing and drop your blood pressure to dangerously low levels, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The NHS doctor claimed that people with MCAS typically have “lots of other things that can cause heartburn or reflux”, such as having Ehlers-Danlos, hypermobility syndrome, or even gastroparesis. He warned that, in these cases, traditional treatment “is not going to work”.
The syndrome is an increasingly common condition in the UK(Image: Getty)
Is there a treatment?
A specialist is often needed to diagnose MCAS, usually an immunologist or allergist. At the time of writing, treatment for diagnosed cases of MCAS focuses on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. There is currently no cure.
Management of the syndrome involves a combination of avoiding triggers, stabilising mast cells, and blocking histamine production using medications like H1/H2 antihistamines. Some experts will also suggest lifestyle changes, such as adopting a low-histamine diet and focusing on fresh, unprocessed foods like meat, poultry, and fish, as well as fresh vegetables.
People may benefit from keeping a list of potential MCAS triggers to be aware of the kinds of things they must avoid. Common and rare possibilities reported by real MCAS patients have been compiled in this list.
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