People living with systemic mastocytosis (SM) should avoid consuming alcohol, as it is a common trigger for symptom episodes.
Experiences differ from patient to patient, with some able to tolerate small amounts, and others reporting severe symptoms with the most minimal amount. Medication taken to manage SM symptoms may also interact with alcohol, with the potential risk of side effects.
What is systemic mastocytosis?
A rare white cell blood disorder, SM is characterized by episodes of symptoms such as skin irritation, flushing, stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, joint and muscle pain, heart palpitations, headache, fatigue, mood changes, depression and most seriously, anaphylaxis. These symptoms result from the excessive immune response of abnormal mast cells.
In SM, mast cells proliferate uncontrollably and accumulate in the skin, internal organs and bones. When they detect an allergen or bacteria, they release histamines and other inflammatory substances to protect the body.
Symptom triggers in SM
The management of SM focuses on preventing the onset of symptoms by avoiding known triggers. Some common triggers include physical exertion, emotional stress, sudden changes between hot and cold, pollens, insect bites, strong perfumes or odors, friction on the skin, alcohol, some foods high in histamine such as spicy food and some medication.
Learn more about SM causes and risk factors
While individual responses – in terms of symptom duration and severity – to triggers and allergic reactions are to be expected for people living with SM, the most common triggers include alcohol.
Modifications to diet and lifestyle to avoid activating symptoms are essential to living well with SM. Antihistamines can also help manage the symptom burden, when it occurs. Alcohol consumption is not advised when taking antihistamines.
How to understand your triggers
In newly diagnosed patients, these triggers are not yet identified, and they will only become known through trial and error. Your healthcare provider will advise you on practical strategies to adopt. This may include consuming small quantities and assessing the consequences. It may also be advised to avoid it completely – and not take the risk – as part of your self-preservation strategy, which favors your well-being.
Avoiding alcohol
As a common trigger, drinking alcohol can negatively impact well-being and quality of life in people living with SM. The most severe allergic reaction can be anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. The best approach is to avoid it completely and find non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy at social occasions.
The long-term complications SM can contribute to disease progression and more aggressive symptoms. If regular symptomatic episodes cause inflammation, and attack the digestive system, internal organs or trigger anaphylaxis, the consequences can be serious.
