Covid-19, Long Covid and mast cells – a connection?
Covid-19 is now a household term for all of us. Unfortunately, the same is true for Long Covid. Mast cell activation plays a significant role in this, which becomes evident when looking at the symptoms of MCAS, a Covid-19 infection, and Long Covid disease. Find out here what Long Covid is and what connection it may have to mast cells and histamine intolerance.
What is Long Covid?
The term "Long Covid" is defined as a health complaint that persists or newly appears after a Covid-19 illness. The time frame is indicated as 4 to 12 weeks after the onset of symptoms. Affected individuals do not fully recover from the Covid-19 infection and show similar symptoms that can become chronic. The term "Post-Covid" refers to complaints that are still present more than 12 weeks after a Covid-19 infection. Long Covid is not contagious.
Furthermore, there are indications that chronic inflammation and blockages of small blood vessels, activation of the Epstein-Barr virus, as well as autoimmune processes are involved in the development of long-term health consequences.
Symptoms of Long Covid
The symptoms can be physical, psychological, or cognitive and negatively affect everyday life as well as quality of life. Since the symptoms are very diverse, a uniform clinical picture has not yet been established.
The following symptoms are possible with Long Covid:
- Fatigue, exhaustion, and limited resilience
- Weight loss
- Pericarditis
- Brain fog (problems with concentration and memory)
- Depressive moods
- Taste and smell disorders
- Shortness of breath, cough, chest pain
- Sleep disorders
- Hair loss
Can Long Covid be prevented?
Little is known about ways to prevent Long Covid. The best chance is to prevent a Covid-19 infection in the first place. For this, it is important to comply with infection protection measures. In addition, it is recommended to take an H1 or H2 antihistamine for support.
Risks that influence Long Covid
So far, it can be said that the risk of Long Covid increases with the severity of the Covid-19 illness, as well as due to certain pre-existing conditions or health risks. Girls and women are affected by Long Covid more often than boys and men.
Mast cells, histamine, and Covid
A severe Covid-19 infection leads to an overreaction of the immune system. This results in an overproduction of inflammatory mediators, with mast cells playing a central role. These are particularly important for the non-specific immune defense, as they react to contact with viruses, bacteria, allergens, or parasites. In doing so, they release substances such as inflammatory mediators and histamine.
With hyperactive mast cells, damage to the lungs, heart, and other organs can occur because a strong immune reaction is triggered that exhausts the immune system. Just like with Long Covid, vaccination reactions are based on mast cell activation syndrome. Individuals with increased mast cell activation or histamine intolerance have a risk of reacting more sensitively to Covid-19.
It is similar with MCAS: the mast cells are also hyperactive and release histamine. Mast cell triggers can be, for example, heat or cold, but also food, infections, or physical or psychological stress. The symptoms manifest on the skin, in the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, in the respiratory tract, and the neurological systems. The symptoms resemble those of a Covid-19 illness.
MCAS – what is it actually?
A mast cell activation disorder is an immunological condition in which mast cells inappropriately and excessively release chemical mediators. This can lead to a series of chronic symptoms, which in turn resemble those of a histamine intolerance. It is estimated that approximately 17% of the population is affected by mast cell activation syndrome. It is reflected in numerous allergies, intolerances, and other allergic-inflammatory conditions.
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Lieferzeit: 2-3 Tage
Sources
- Current study by the Dr. Jacobs Institute
- Information from the RKI
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Science Direct
Status: 07/27/2022
The information provided here regarding Covid, Long Covid symptoms, and prevention and treatment measures refers to studies, experience, and knowledge from the medical field. We would like to pass this on to you. We cannot replace medical advice, diagnosis, or therapy, nor can we make any promises of a cure. Please consult a doctor if you have prolonged complaints or serious illnesses. All tips you can read here are to be followed voluntarily and at your own risk.
