Awareness Quiz

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Question #1: What is a mast cell?

Mast cells are immune system cells (or white blood cells) that live in our bone marrow and tissue. They protect us from infection and help our body by participating in the inflammatory process.

Mast cells are unspecialized and have the ability to develop into specialized cells for specific organs or to develop into tissues.

Mast cells are responsible for determining blood type and transporting oxygen to cells.

Answer:

Question #2: What is the main function of a mast cell?

Mast cells do most of the work in cells and are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs.

Mast cells transmit electrical messages and signals throughout the body.

Mast cells are the commanders of the immune cells. They detect intruders (or pathogens) in the body and alert other cells to take action. Mast cells release chemicals, such as histamine, to ward off the attack.

Answer:

Question #3: Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) are the same thing.

True

False

Answer:

Question #4: Mast cells that are not functioning properly can often cause anaphylactic reactions that are difficult to control.

Select all symptoms that a mast cell patient might experience:

spots or rash on the skin

itching, flushing, hives

shortness of breath, trouble breathing

chest pain and/or racing heart

swelling and inflammation

gastrointestinal upset including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or bloating

malabsorption

episodes of fainting or dizziness, sudden drops in blood pressure

bone, muscle or joint pain

fatigue

cognitive impairment, anxiety

headache

sinus problems including ears, nose and throat

rapid weight gain or loss

sensitivity to sunlight

enlarged spleen, liver, lymph nodes

all of these and more

Answer:

Question #5: There is currently no cure for mast cell disease. Patients are encouraged to control their disease through a combination of medications and trigger avoidance.

Select the most common triggers that cause mast cells to activate (in mast cell disease):

insect stings including mosquito, wasp, hornet and bee

pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and narcotics (codeine, morphine)

changes in temperature or extreme temperatures, both hot and cold

food and drink (specific triggers are individual)

exercise

friction, pressure or vibration on the skin

strong scents including perfumes, chemicals, spices, smoke,

emotional and physical stress, including fatigue

hormonal fluctuations (i.e. menstral period)

all of these and more

Answer:

Question #6: All mast cell patients respond in the same way to known triggers.

True

False

Answer:

Question #7: Nutrition plays a key role in the management of mast cell disease.

True

False

Answer:

Question #8: There are many ways you can support a loved one who has mast cell disease.

Select all that apply:

Learn as much as you can about mast cell disease

Understand the patient's individual triggers and help minimize exposure

Help care for the patient's psychological well-being

Be clear about what to do in the case of emergency

Answer:

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about mast cell disease!

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