Long-COVID and Allergies
For most people, COVID was unpleasant, but did not leave a lasting health impact on them. For others, the effects are still lingering months, even years after they had it. New research has found a correlation between people who have mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and long-COVID and also explains why some people have developed new food allergies and sensitivities since having COVID.
What are mast cells and what is MCAS?
Mast cells are a type of white blood cell located all over your body. They are in the highest numbers where your body meets the outside environment, being your skin, lungs and digestive tract. This is because they play an important part in your immune system’s early response to viruses and pathogens. They are involved in your body’s inflammatory response by releasing inflammatory mediators like histamine.(1)
In people affected by MCAS the mast cell mediators are released too frequently or profusely in response to triggers that are not supposed to be harmful, like foods or chemicals in the environment. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms that affect multiple body systems.
It is estimated that around 17% of the population may have this but most don’t know they have it. Symptoms can range from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, POTS, food intolerances, sneezing, hives, rashes, eczema, asthma, rosacea, chronic migraines, anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks and many more.
MCAS and COVID
The problem with people with MCAS getting COVID, is that COVID can cause excessive disruption of the mast cells, which can make them become super-sensitized which releases to many inflammatory mediators like histamine, creating a ‘cytokine storm’ that causes more severe symptoms which can cause hospitalization.
Once the mast cell response is turned up it doesn’t go down after the virus is cleared from the body, the immune system remains active which can cause long-COVID and the development of allergies, which are essentially inflammatory responses to otherwise benign substances like environmental allergens or foods.
Long-COVID and Allergies
These people continue to have allergic type flare ups which may cause the symptoms mentioned above and have lots of different triggers including fragrances, exercise, stress, or even changes in temperature. The symptoms can come and go and can change overtime within the same person. This makes it difficult to identify specific triggers and the number of triggers and and severity of symptoms.
This doesn’t just affect adults, children with food allergies and asthma had a higher rate of getting severe COVID and a higher risk of long-COVID with lasting symptoms of fatigue, sensory changes and sleep problems.(2)
Although, interestingly, a large UK based study found that those with allergic conditions had a 23% lower risk of COVID infection, especially if they also have asthma.
Natural Allergy Treatment
At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), we use a technique called muscle testing (or kinesiology) to help identify reactions to food and environmental substances that may be triggering your symptoms. Following testing, you can work with your practitioner to address these reactions using a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT).
Get in touch
- Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
- Send us your question HERE
- Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE
Written by our expert PAT Naturopath – Jenny Bates
Jenny (Adv Dip Naturopathy, Dip Nutrition) has been a Naturopath performing PAT since 2004. Over that time, she has worked with countless clients in both our Sydney and Auckland clinics, and now trains and mentors PAT practitioners all over Australia and New Zealand.
Please note that this blog post contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional regarding any medical condition.
