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 Activation 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 Activation 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 due to POTS
What is POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system in which a person’s heart rate increases abnormally when they move from lying down to standing up. This rapid heart rate can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, fatigue, and brain fog due to difficulty regulating blood flow. POTS symptoms can range from mild to significantly disruptive to daily life.
What is MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a condition in which mast cells release excessive amounts of chemical mediators, such as histamine, causing widespread symptoms. These reactions can affect multiple body systems, leading to issues like flushing, hives, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, diarrhea, brain fog, or even anaphylaxis. MCAS can be chronic and variable in severity, and conventional medicine typically manages MCAS with medications that block or stabilize mast cell mediators.
How POTS & MCAS Presented Itself in this Young Patient
From the reactions to food coloring, food additives, pool chemicals, and household chemicals, 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. Also from POTS 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 has more energy and 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 "before I felt like my energy levels were all over the place and I 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. Migraines were almost daily and now they are less than 1-2 a month. 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.”
If you are experiencing POTS, MCAS, hEDS or any chronic illness, and would like to learn more about homeopathy and how it can potentially help you, please contact me.
Josie Semmes, LPH,CHP, CCH, CH, has been in practice for over 4 years and received her homeopathy degree from the Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine. She specializes in helping those with chronic conditions, with a focus on helping patients with POTS/EDS/MCAS and those with other types of Dysautonomia. She also holds certifications as a Clinical Herbalist and nutritionist. She is a board-certified Homeopath and licensed practitioner through the State of Arizona.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It should not replace the advice of your primary care physician (PCP) or other physicians which you are providing you care. It is recommended that you consult with your PCP before starting homeopathic medicine or any other form of complementary medicine. Do not use this article as a means to diagnose a health condition. Speak to your PCP if you think that your condition may be serious, or before discontinuing any medication that has been prescribed for you, or before starting any new treatment.
