Treatment
Doctors use several medicines to treat mastocytosis symptoms, including antihistamines (to prevent the effect of mast cell histamine) and anticholinergics (to relieve intestinal cramping). A number of medicines treat specific symptoms of mastocytosis.
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Antihistamines frequently treat itching and other skin complaints
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Certain antihistamines work specifically against ulcers; proton pump inhibitors also relieve ulcer-like symptoms
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Two types of antihistamines treat severe flushing and low blood pressure before symptoms appear; epinephrine can treat these symptoms after they begin
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Topical steroids temporarily reduce skin lesions that are cosmetically disturbing
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Steroids treat malabsorption, or impaired ability to take in nutrients
In cases in which mastocytosis is malignant, cancerous, or associated with a blood disorder, steroids and/or chemotherapy may be necessary.