A Case of POTS and MCAS – A Teenager Gets Her Life Back
A 15-year-old female who had been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos (hEDS)came to see me with a primary complaint of Mast Cell Allergy Syndrome (MCAS). Her POTS symptoms started at age 12 after a viral infection from mononucleosis. She had experienced reactions to food coloring, food additives, pool chemicals, and household chemicals since birth. This would happen if she ate or came into contact with any chemicals. In addition, she suffered from gastric dumping and gastroparesis if she ate meals that were too heavy, and she constantly had to take nausea medications before she was able to eat any food.
She came to me with the following afflictions:
Mast Cell Allergy Syndrome (MCAS) from food dyes and household chemicals
Migraines from MCAS and forgetting to eat or drink
Insomnia from overall body pain and racing thoughts
Extreme Fatigue from overexertion
What is MCAS (Mast Cell Allergy Syndrome)
The MCAS reactions occur after exposure to chemicals or consumption of food containing additives.
How MCAS Presented Itself in this Young Patient
She would get nauseous, irritated, and feel a great deal of pain throughout her body, and start crying. She would then lash out verbally and sometimes physically. The reaction would cause so much pain and heat in her head that she would need to use a fan. In addition, she would often feel a sudden dizziness and the need to lie down. As a child, her reactions included pulling her hair and feeling a desire to bite. The patient said, "I cannot think when it happens. Cannot regulate an emotion – do not understand what is going on. Will be really aggressive to my mom." The MCAS reaction would also make her feel super tired and want to lie down, causing extreme muscle fatigue. She would experience excruciating muscle pain, and everything would shut down; she could not bear to walk.
The patient also experiences extreme migraines, which started after her POTS presented at age 12. The migraines were alleviated by cold and exacerbated by overheating. She suffered from extreme Fatigue from daily activities and often had to take naps throughout the day.
Other notable symptoms
Desire to bite people with the MCAS reaction and extreme desire for lemon.
Homeopathic Solution Prescribed for Teenage Girl’s MCAS Symptoms
The patient was prescribed Belladonna 200c, administered as one dose every other day. Key indicators included intense heat in the head, a desire to lash out, and a craving for lemon, which are keynotes of Belladonna.
One-week follow-up
The patient reported greater energy to do schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
Noticed that on the days that she takes the remedy, she can get out of bed immediately.
Headaches have lessened, and she no longer experiences migraines on the days she takes the remedy.
Insomnia is better; she can fall asleep earlier than usual. Stays asleep and does not wake up during the night.
Prescription Changes
Increase Belladonna 200c to once daily.
One-month follow-up
Patient reports "feel like energy levels are all over the place and feel more energy after starting Belladonna daily."
Migraines are continuing to decrease, and now, when she does have migraines, they are less severe.
Three-month follow-up
The patient reported that she is no longer experiencing reactions to food coloring, food additives, and chemicals. She said,
“I was able to eat candy and birthday cake with no reactions. I have had only one migraine in the past month and did not need to take any medications for it. I have more energy and no longer need to worry about hanging out with my friends and what I can and cannot eat.”
