
Mast Cell Matters: Deep dives on MCAS with Tania Dempsey, MD - Presented by The POTScast
Each episode is a deep dive on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) with a top physician, researcher or other expert who specializes in treating patients with MCAS. Hosted by Johns-Hopkins-trained world renowned specialist Tania Dempsey, MD, we take a practical approach to helping doctors and patients better manage MCAS. We cover the symptoms, testing, diagnosis, treatment, challenges, practical strategies, common comorbidities (e.g., POTS, hypermobility spectrum disorders, ME/CFS, autoimmunity, GI dysmotility), latest research findings and clinical pearls.
These episodes are a monthly feature of The POTScast, presented by Standing Up to POTS, a non-profit dedicated to improving life for those with POTS and related chronic illness. Check out our full podcast — with other types of great episodes — at ThePOTScast.com.
Latest episodes

Dec 5, 2023 • 45min
Psychiatric Manifestations of MCAS with Dr. Janet Settle
Dr. Settle is a psychiatrist who believes that mast cell activation is responsible for some symptoms of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder type II and others. She treats MCAS as a way to stabilize both mast cells and their emotional state.
You can learn more about Dr. Settle and her practice here.
You can learn more about Dr. Dempsey and her practice here.
You can read the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/potscast178
If you liked this episode, we hope you will click subscribe so that you don't miss an episode. If you are so moved, donations are accepted to help to support our production costs https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on our Website: www.standinguptopots.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivist Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Nov 8, 2023 • 50min
Mast Cells, Pain and Hypermobility with Dr. Linda Bluestein
Dr. Linda Bluestein, an anesthesiologist and pain specialist, delves into hypermobility disorders and their connection to mast cell activation syndrome. She shares her unique insights stemming from her personal experiences with EDS. The discussion covers pain management strategies, including opioids and the promising effects of ketamine. Dr. Bluestein emphasizes the importance of individualized care and explores newer treatments like cannabinoids. Additionally, she highlights valuable resources for patients navigating hypermobility.

Nov 8, 2023 • 19min
Documentary on The Triad with Dr. Leonard Weinstock
Dr. Weinstock and Dr. Dempsey are spearheading the creation of a documentary about MCAS, POTS, and EDS. Still in the planning stages, this documentary intends to educate medical professionals and the general public. We hope that it will help raise awareness!
Link to the LDN Research Trust:https://ldnresearchtrust.org/mast-cell-activation-syndrome-documentary
You can read the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/potscast165
If you liked this episode, we hope you will click subscribe so that you don't miss an episode. If you are so moved, donations are accepted to help to support our production costs https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on our Website: www.standinguptopots.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivist Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Nov 8, 2023 • 52min
Cardiac manifestations of MCAS with Dr. Andrew Maxwell
Treating MCAS, POTS, and Long COVID can be difficult, and physicians must attack from various angles to get patients feeling better. Dr. Maxwell walks us through his thinking and how MCAS is linked to POTS and Long COVID. This episode is a must-listen for patients and practitioners alike.
You can read the transcript for this episode here: http://tinyurl.com/potscast159
If you liked this episode, we hope you will click subscribe so that you don't miss an episode. If you are so moved, donations are accepted to help to support our production costs https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on our Website: www.standinguptopots.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivist Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Nov 8, 2023 • 44min
GI Manifestations of MCAS with Dr. Leonard Weinstock
Dr. Weinstock, a gastroenterologist and leading expert on MCAS, discusses mast cells in the context of the GI tract. Bloating, gas, SIBO, SIFO, and IBS are all discussed in this episode. In addition, he shares how he prescribes LDN for his patients. There is a ton of great information in this episode for patients and practitioners alike!
You can read the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/potscast135
Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an episode of The POTScast. Subscribing also helps us reach other people just like you!
If you liked this episode, we hope you will help to support our production costs by donating to Standing Up to POTS at https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on our Website: www.standinguptopots.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivist Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Nov 8, 2023 • 55min
Dr. Lawrence Afrin on MCAS Diagnostic Criteria “Consensus-2”
Dr. Afrin, a world expert in all things mast cell, talks in depth about issues with the first MCAS "consensus" statement and the need for a second MCAS consensus statement so that patients can be treated even if their lab tests don't show an elevation of tryptase levels. This opens the diagnostic door to many additional patients so that they can get the treatment that they need.
You can read the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/potscast129
Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an episode of The POTScast. Subscribing also helps us reach other people just like you!
If you liked this episode, we hope you will help to support our production costs by donating to Standing Up to POTS at https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on our Website: www.standinguptopots.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivist Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Nov 8, 2023 • 38min
Diagnosis & Treatment of MCAS with Dr. Tania Dempsey
Dr. Dempsey shares her experience in both diagnosing and treating people with MCAS. She always looks for POTS and orthostatic symptoms during diagnosis, as these are often comorbid disorders. Antihistamines and other major medications commonly used to treat MCAS are also discussed.
You can learn more about Dr. Dempsey and her practice here.
You can read the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/potscast122
Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an episode of The POTScast. Subscribing also helps us reach other people just like you!
If you liked this episode, we hope you will help to support our production costs by donating to Standing Up to POTS at https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on our Website: www.standinguptopots.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivist Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Nov 8, 2023 • 43min
Introduction to mast cells and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) with Dr. Tania Dempsey
Dr. Dempsey is helping us to launch a new series within the POTScast focusing on all things mast cells. These cells are an important part of the immune system and are found throughout the body. Learn more about what happens with these cells malfunction!
You can learn more about Dr. Dempsey and her practice here.
You can read the transcript for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/potscast115
Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an episode of The POTScast. Subscribing also helps us reach other people just like you!
If you liked this episode, we hope you will help to support our production costs by donating to Standing Up to POTS at https://www.standinguptopots.org/donate
Tell us what you think of The POTScast or send us your idea at info@standinguptopots.org!
Find out more about Standing Up to POTS! Check us out on ourWebsite: www.standinguptopots.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/standinguptopots/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinguptopots/Twitter: https://twitter.com/POTSActivistPintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheStandingUpToPOTS/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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