Mast Cell Disorders for Metro Detroit, Farmington Hills, MI | Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan | Pediatric and Adult Allergists & Allergy and Immunology

Mast Cell Disorders services offered in Metro Detroit, Farmington Hills, MI

Mast cell disorders cause allergic-like reactions to common allergens because of abnormal mast cell activity, not an allergy. These disorders are hard to diagnose but are gaining more recognition by health care providers. Chad W. Mayer, DO, FAAAAI, FAAP, is a board-certified allergists specializing in diagnosing and treating mast cell disorders at Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan. Schedule a consultation by calling the office in Farmington Hills, Michigan, or booking online today.

What are mast cell disorders?

Mast cell disorders include a group of conditions that affect the function of the mast cells. Your mast cells are the allergy cells. If you have allergies, your mast cells are responsible for releasing the chemicals that cause the allergic reaction.

The reaction occurs when the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody on the surface of the mast cell binds with a protein in the allergen. Certain medications, insects or reptile venom, and infections may also activate the mast cell. These reactions are normal.

With mast cell disorders, the mast cells are defective, releasing the chemicals that cause the allergic reaction because of abnormal signaling within the cell.

What are the types of mast cell disorders?

Types of mast cell disorders include mastocytosis, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and hereditary alpha-tryptasemia.

Mastocytosis

Mastocytosis is a genetic immune disorder. People with mastocytosis have a buildup of mast cells under their skin, in their bones, or in other organs.

MCAS

MCAS is a condition in which a person has recurring allergy symptoms that are severe and affect multiple body systems. The symptoms occur because the mast cells mistakenly release large amounts of the chemicals that cause the allergic reaction.

Hereditary alpha-tryptasemia

People with hereditary alpha-tryptasemia produce extra copies of the alpha tryptase gene. Tryptase is one of the chemicals the mast cells release during an allergic reaction.

How are mast cell disorders diagnosed?

Mast cell disorders require special lab tests for a diagnosis. Before ordering any tests, the allergists at Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan conduct a thorough history and physical examination to ensure they order the right tests.

They review your symptoms, medical history, and family history. If not done, they may also do allergy testing.

To diagnose mast cell disorders, they order blood tests to check mast cell tryptase levels and urine tests to measure histamine levels.

What are the treatments for mast cell disorders?

Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan creates individual treatment plans for mast cell disorders based on type and severity of symptoms. Treatment usually includes:

Epinephrine injections
Antihistamines
Corticosteroids
Omalizumab (blocks IgE binding)
Mast cell stabilizing medications

The allergists spend time talking to you about your treatment options. Then, together you develop a plan that best suits you.

To find out more about mast cell disorders, call Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan or schedule an appointment online today.

We offer fully customizable treatment for food allergies, including Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) exclusively or in tandem with Xolair. Dr. Mayer has been treating food allergies for over 20 years and was one of the first providers to incorporate Xolair into successful food allergy treatments. Call us to book your appointment today.