Mast cells are white blood cells produced in bone marrow.
As its name implies, “indolent” systemic mastocytosis progresses slowly and does not present an immediate threat.
Treatment for this form of the disease aims to identify and avoid symptom triggers.
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This disease causes excess abnormal mast cells that build up in organ tissue.
The effect causes symptoms like an allergic reaction in the organs involved.
Treatment mostly includes self-management and certain drugs.
Indolent systemic mastocytosis has a better prognosis than other forms of mastocytosis.
The disease typically spares organs from damage and rarely progresses to the more severe forms.
People with this condition generally live a normal lifespan, comparable to their peers.
However, it can be highly symptomatic.
In addition to physical symptoms, psychological and neurological symptoms that lead to reduced performance can also occur.
Symptoms that interfere with physical and or emotional well-being warrant treatment.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can occur within seconds to minutes of exposure to a trigger.
They require immediate treatment with an EpiPen and a visit to a hospital emergency room.
The primary goal of treating ISM limited to the skin is to control symptoms resulting from mast-cell mediators.
Common first-generation H1 antihistamines include:
Second-generation antihistamines may tend to cause less drowsiness than first-generation drugs.
Treatment for this disorder is mostly based on expert opinion rather than evidence from controlled clinical trials.
Indolent systemic mastocytosis involves at least one organ system other than the skin.
Other treatments may be used for more advanced forms of the disease.
You may be able to help control flares by following a strictlow-histamine diet.
This diet restricts eating foods high in histamine or foods that may increase mast cell histamine release.
This can help avoid adding to your body’s existing levels of histamine.
High-histamine foods include those that are overly processed, fermented, or spoiled.
Examples of high-histamine foods include:
Managing symptoms can also help reduce your risk of complications and secondary conditions.
Finding the right treatment regimen can be a complex process.
Factors such as the rarity of the disease and a provider’s unfamiliarity with it can complicate treatment.
Side effects of ISM treatments can vary by jot down and disease.
These can range from mostly skin-centered to systemic problems such as flushing and bone pain.
The risk of anaphylaxis is also higher than normal.
Treatment for indolent systemic mastocytosis centers on easing mast cell mediators and their impact on affected organs.
Most people with this disease can expect to live a normal lifespan with little risk of severe disease.
However, symptoms need proper treatment to maintain comfort and a normal life.
Finding the right treatment can be challenging for this rare and heterogeneous disease.
While an allergist or immunologist may manage your care, having a multidisciplinary treatment team is advised.
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