There is no cure for systemic mastocytosis (SM), so treatment focuses on symptom management and avoiding triggers that activate the mast cellMast cell A type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow. They help defend against infections and play a key role in allergic reactions. In SM, mast cells become overactive and build up throughout the body. activity that causes the symptoms.
Potential triggers are varied and commonly found in day-to-day life, so they can be difficult to eliminate. But once you are familiar with your individual triggers, there are steps you can take to remove them from your home environment.
What is SM?
Systemic mastocytosisMastocytosis Rare disease caused by the buildup of mast cells. Cutaneous mastocytosis primarily affects the skin and is more common in children, while systemic mastocytosis affects internal organs and is more common in adults. (SM) is a rare hematological disease characterized by mast cells that are overactive and accumulate in different parts of the body such as the bone marrow, liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract and lymph nodes.
What are common SM symptom triggers?
Each person living with SM will experience triggers and symptoms differently. It’s possible to have only a few of the known triggers, and severity and duration of symptoms can vary.
Read more about SM signs and symptoms
Keep a diary of your symptoms and associated triggers to help you identify patterns and ways to avoid them. Common triggers include the following.
- Alcohol.
- A high-histamineHistamine A chemical released by mast cells when they are activated. Histamine causes many of the allergy-type symptoms in mastocytosis, including flushing, itching and hives. diet.
- Spicy food.
- Certain medications.
- Friction on the skin.
- Insect bites or stings.
- Pollen or strong perfumes.
How to make your home safe and comfortable
You can transform your home into a safe place where you know you can be less vigilant about anticipating symptom triggers. It will give you back a feeling of control and relief. Here are some suggestions.
- Diet: Be proactive about planning meals and stocking ingredients that will support your health and well-being with no risk of activating symptom flare-ups. Clearly label any at-risk foods so you don’t make any mistakes.
- Temperature: Regulate the inside temperature to avoid being too hot or cold. Be prepared with fans or air conditioning in the summer.
- Air quality: Monitor the air quality in your home. Avoid pet dander, pollen from flowers and dust mites.
- Clothing: Have a wide range of options for clothes in natural fibers. Choose lightweight layers to help regulate body temperature.
- Bedding: Choose comfortable, breathable natural fibers for your bed linen, pillows and mattress.
- Allergens: Eliminate toxic cleaning products, strongly perfumed candles or air fresheners and chemical-based washing liquids. Ask family and friends not to wear strong perfume by making them aware of the possible consequences for you.
- Comfort: Create a space where you can rest comfortably with good air flow and low light.
- Medication: Keep these items easily accessible to relieve symptoms: medications such as antihistaminesAntihistamines Medications that block the effects of histamine, the chemical found in mast cells that is responsible for many of the symptoms of SM, as well as many allergic reactions. and creams to ease skin irritation. Have doses of epinephrineEpinephrine Also called adrenaline, this hormone is used in emergency situations to reverse symptoms during a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). on hand if anaphylaxisAnaphylaxis A severe allergic reaction that can turn fatal without treatment. Patients with SM are at a higher risk of developing anaphylaxis. occurs.
- Communication: Inform your friends and family of your condition so they know what to expect when they come to your home and how they can help protect you from symptom flare-ups.
