Brief Answer:
Please consult an immunologist and get tested for serum tryptase levels

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. What you read is about mast cell activation (MCA) syndrome which is a recent entity connected with various symptoms of allergy. It can also be induced by stress.

2. The spectrum of symptoms seen in MCA syndrome involve the skin, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurologic systems. Symptoms include urticaria, angioedema, flushing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, hypotensive syncope or near syncope, tachycardia, wheezing, conjunctival injection, pruritus (itching), and nasal stuffiness.

3. Mast cell is a cell which is part of the immune mechanism and when activate it can release chemicals in small amounts which trigger an allergic reaction.

4. If the symptoms you are having are reduced with anti-mediator therapy including H(1) and H(2)histamine receptor antagonists, anti-leukotrienes, or mast cell stabilizers then a probability of MCA is suspected.

5. Zantac (ranitidine) belongs to a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers and that is the reason your doctor prescribed it to you.

6. It is recommended that you consult an immunologist and get the condition confirmed. Further confirmation is by documentation of an increase of the marker above the patient's baseline value during symptomatic periods on more than two occasions, or baseline serum tryptase levels that are persistently above 15 ng/ml, or documentation of an increase of the tryptase level above baseline value on one occasion.

7. Please stay stress free as that can also precipitate a MCA syndrome should it be confirmed.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

---

Brief Answer:
Please find link to list of immunologists in your area below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

I understand your stressful work environment and its influence on your health.

Your location is shown as Kansas state in our application. Please find below a list of immunologists practicing in your area using the link given below as listed by a credible health information directory

http://www.healthgrades.com/provider-search-directory/search?q=Allergy+%26+Immunology&prof.type=provider&search.type=PracticingSpecialty&method=rollup+specialty&loc=Kansas&pt=38.932860%2C-94.646550&isNeighborhood=&locType=%7Cstate%7Ccity%7Czip&locIsSolrCity=false

It is not possible to recommend a single doctor and it will be better if you can choose the doctor you wish to consult depending on location, recommendation by other patients and insurance.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

---