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Covid-19, Long Covid and mast cells – a connection?

Covid-19 is a familiar term to us all by now. Unfortunately, so too is Long Covid. Activation of mast cells plays a significant role in this, as evidenced by the symptoms of MCAS, a Covid-19 infection, and Long Covid. Here you can learn 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 condition that persists or develops after a COVID-19 infection. This period is generally considered to be 4 to 12 weeks after the onset of symptoms. Affected individuals do not fully recover from the COVID-19 infection and exhibit similar symptoms that can become chronic. The term "post-COVID" refers to symptoms that are still present more than 12 weeks after a COVID-19 infection. Long COVID is not contagious.

Furthermore, there is evidence that chronic inflammation and blockage 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 impact daily life and quality of life. Because the symptoms vary so widely, a uniform clinical picture has not yet been established.
The following symptoms are possible with long-term COVID:

Fatigue, exhaustion and reduced 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

Preventing long-term Covid – is that possible?

Little is known about ways to prevent long-term COVID-19. The best chance of prevention lies in avoiding a COVID-19 infection in the first place. To achieve this, it is crucial to adhere to infection control measures. Additionally, taking an H1 or H2 antihistamine is recommended as a supplementary measure.

Risks that affect long-term 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 with certain pre-existing conditions or health risks. Girls and women are more frequently affected by long COVID 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 cells are particularly important for the non-specific immune response, as they react to contact with viruses, bacteria, allergens, or parasites. In doing so, they release substances such as inflammatory mediators and histamine.

Hyperactive mast cells can damage the lungs, heart, and other organs because they trigger a strong immune response that exhausts the immune system. Similar to long-term COVID-19, vaccine reactions are based on mast cell activation syndrome. Individuals with increased mast cell activation or histamine intolerance are at risk of being more sensitive to COVID-19.

MCAS is similar: the mast cells are also hyperactive and release histamine. Triggers for mast cell activation can include heat or cold, but also foods, infections, and physical or psychological stress. Symptoms manifest on the skin, in the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and neurological systems. The symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19.

MCAS – what exactly is it?

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is an immunological condition in which mast cells release inappropriate and excessive amounts of chemical mediators. This can lead to a range of chronic symptoms, which in turn resemble those of histamine intolerance. It is estimated that approximately 17% of the population is affected by MCAS. It manifests in numerous allergies, intolerances, and other allergic-inflammatory conditions.

Sources

The information provided here regarding Covid, long-term Covid symptoms, and preventative and treatment measures is based on studies, experiences, and knowledge from the medical field. We would like to share this information with you. However, we cannot replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor can we make any promises of a cure. Please consult a doctor if you have persistent symptoms or serious illnesses. All tips you read here are voluntary and to be followed at your own risk.