The biological mechanisms of Long Covid are still somewhat of a mystery. But as we dig into the jigsaw looking for the pieces, one of the largest we've found is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.

In this wide ranging interview with one of the world's leading specialists in the field, Dr Lawrence Afrin, he sheds light on the presentation, pathophysiology and treatment of the condition, as well as its complexity.

A huge thank you to Dr Afrin for his time, knowledge and wisdom.

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The Long Covid Handbook (Oct 2022), by Gez Medinger and Professor Danny Altmann and published by Penguin Books is now available in paperback, ebook and audiobook. A singular resource that brings together everything patients, clinicians and academics have learnt about the condition since early 2020, as well as lessons from sufferers and researchers of ME/CFS and other chronic conditions. It offers world leading expert advice on understanding, managing and treating Long Covid. The Long Covid Handbook is available from the following links:

US: https://a.co/d/0gvkJCU

UK: https://amzn.eu/d/9KjurGb
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0:00 Introduction
0:44 What are mast cells?
1:34 What role do mast cells play in the body?
3:12 How do people with MCAS present clinically?
5:45 Why is MCAS so poorly recognised within the medical community?
12:22 How do Long Covid patients present?
13:55 How have you treated Long Covid patients?
16:33 How do you clinically test for MCAS?
20:37 What advice do you give your Long Covid patients in terms of management?
26:43 What are the most common triggers you see?
28:10 Are you familiar with the NAD+ deficiency theory? 


REFERENCES:

MCAS and Long Covid, Afrin et al (2020):
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science...

Mast Cells, Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mast_cell