Breathing Difficulty
When MCAS impacts the lungs, it may come with asthma-like symptoms, including wheezing and breathing difficulty. Indeed, one of the more severe indications of the condition is how it may interfere with breathing, causing shallow, rapid breaths.
Activation of mast cells in the lungs may contribute to overall lung health. They may be characterized by respiratory responses to allergens as well as inflammation. Chronically activated mast cells may also play a role in obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory distress, and lung cancer.
Breathing difficulties signify lung problems. They may be associated with conditions other than MCAS, but in some cases, they are serious medical concerns that require attention. Experts also recommend close monitoring of accompanying symptoms because it could help provide a more accurate diagnosis. When left untreated, breathing difficulties could be life-threatening, especially if accompanied by chest pain, nausea, fainting, change in mental alertness, and a bluish tinge to the nails and lips. These could be a sign of pulmonary embolism or a heart attack, which are medical emergencies. If MCAS causes trouble breathing, treating the condition is advised to keep the symptoms from worsening.
