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Mast cell activity syndrome A woman is allergic to her husband's kiss
A young woman from the US suffers from mast cell activation syndrome, a rare disease of the immune system. She's almost allergic to everything, even her husband. A kiss from him could have life-threatening consequences. All previous treatment attempts were unsuccessful.
When kisses become dangerous
Kissing is dangerous for some people. For example, a kiss for babies can be fatal if the kisser is suffering from a herpes virus infection. But there are other rare diseases that can lead to cuddles becoming - sometimes life-threatening - a risk. One of these is the so-called mast cell activity syndrome (MCAS). This immune system disorder causes a young American woman to stop kissing her husband.
Kissing is what most people consider beautiful. For some, physical proximity is dangerous. Mast cell activity syndrome, a rare disease, can make a kiss life-threatening. (Image: Nick / fotolia.com) Serious disease of the immune system
Minnesota-born Johanna Watkins is no longer allowed to cuddle with her husband on the couch, kiss him or stay in a room with him. Because physical closeness can be life-threatening for the 29-year-old, reports the British "BBC".
This is due to the so-called mast cell activity syndrome (MCAS), a serious immune system disorder that mutates cells to protect them from environmental and external threats, and attacks their bodies. The young woman is therefore allergic to almost everything and everyone - including her husband Scott Watkins.
Disease is not sufficiently researched
As explained on a website of the Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance (SIGHI), mast cell diseases (MCAD), which include the MCAS, "have different causes and correspondingly many manifestations. They are complex and still very incompletely researched ".
The self-help group "Mastocytosis e.V." explains on its website: "Mast cells are among the cells responsible for defense in the organism. They contain chemical agents that they can release to perform their various tasks. Due to triggers, these substances can be released steadily or acutely. "
Condition worsened after the wedding
According to the "BBC" report, the US couple did not know when marrying in 2013 that Johanna's condition would deteriorate so much. Although she was already at that time with unusual rashes, irritable bowel syndrome and migraine fight, but these complaints were much worse after the wedding.
"Three or four years before we were diagnosed, there were times when Johanna had to cough when I came close to her, and especially her," said husband Scott. Over the past year, it has become apparent that they can no longer live together physically.
"We found that I got worse and worse as soon as Scott entered the room," said Johanna. "And then one day he came back from a hairdresser's visit and within two minutes my anaphylactic symptoms started and he had to leave the room."
Allergic reactions to others
According to the information, she had previously been allergic to her parents and many other people.
The only people she does not completely allergic to are her siblings. However, her condition worsened even after her visit. Although the highest precautionary measures and hygiene regulations have been observed.
The young woman currently lives alone in a room with friends. Doors and windows are therefore locked, filters cleaned the air. Her husband lives three floors below her. When they watch TV together, everyone does so in their room while chatting with each other.
According to the report have so far struck no treatment against MCAS. "They do not know if I'm going to be well, so we hope and pray that I will get well," said Johanna. "My life could end quickly. Life is fragile - it can end ". (Ad)