Mast Cell Disease Evaluation and Treatment in Portland, Oregon
Integrative Management of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Histamine Intolerance
If you’re reacting to everything, feeling like your body is constantly on high alert, and struggling to get answers, you’re not alone. Many people with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) spend years searching for answers while struggling with unpredictable, multi-system symptoms that are often misunderstood or dismissed.
At Willow Natural Health, Dr. Cori Burke provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), histamine intolerance, and related complex chronic illness patterns for patients throughout Portland and across Oregon.
Dr. Burke specializes in medically complex and treatment-resistant cases, Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and focused on understanding the interconnected physiologic patterns contributing to illness rather than viewing symptoms in isolation.
What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a complex condition involving immune system dysregulation. Mast cells are immune cells found throughout the body that help coordinate inflammatory and allergic responses. In individuals with MCAS, these cells become overly sensitive or reactive, releasing inflammatory chemicals (including histamine, tryptase, and prostaglandins) inappropriately or excessively.
Because mast cells are present throughout multiple organ systems, MCAS can cause a wide range of symptoms involving the skin, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, nervous system, respiratory system, and more. Symptoms are often fluctuating and unpredictable. Flares can be triggered by factors such as foods, infections, stress, environmental exposures, medications, and temperature changes. Mast cell reactions are different then classic allergic reactions and therefore standard allergy testing may come back normal. Many patients spend years searching for answers before the underlying pattern is recognized.
Common Symptoms of MCAS & Histamine Intolerance
Mast cell disease symptoms can vary widely between individuals and often involve multiple body systems at once. Common symptoms may include:
- Flushing, itching, hives, or rashes
- Food sensitivities and reactions
- Nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, GERD, or diarrhea
- Headaches and migraines
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or symptoms of dysautonomia
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Brain fog and cognitive dysfunction
- Anxiety, overstimulation, or nervous system hypersensitivity
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue and exercise intolerance
- Chronic pelvic pain or endometriosis
- Painful urination and interstitial cystitis
- Nasal congestion or sinus pain
- Shortness of breath or throat tightness
- Chemical sensitivities and environmental reactivity
- Symptoms that flare unpredictably or seem triggered by multiple unrelated exposures
Because MCAS symptoms can mimic many other conditions, patients are often told their symptoms are anxiety-related, psychosomatic, or unexplained before receiving appropriate evaluation.
Diagnosing MCAS
MCAS is notoriously difficult to diagnose. Standard labs often come back normal, and symptoms mimic dozens of other conditions. Dr. Burke’s approach is methodical and patient-centered, combining clinical criteria, targeted lab testing, symptom pattern analysis, and a thorough review of your history. She will walk you through your test results in plain language and build a layered treatment plan to address triggers and improve symptoms and quality of life.
Thoughtful Treatment for MCAS
Treating MCAS effectively means working on multiple fronts at once: reducing your overall mast cell burden, identifying and avoiding triggers, stabilizing the immune system, and supporting the body systems most affected. Dr. Burke will build your plan around your specific reaction patterns, sensitivities, and goals.
Treatment is always individualized and new protocols are introduced gradually. This especially important in MCAS, where sensitivities to fillers, dyes, and even the medications themselves are common.
Dr. Burke typically introduces medications and supplements one at a time and uses dye-free formulations with minimal fillers wherever possible. Your reactivity guides the pace; she will work diligently to never push faster than your system can tolerate.