Many Lyme disease patients also experience symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
On Friday 20th June 2025 we welcomed Deborah Bircham DipCNM, UKIHCA-RHC, Dip.Hyp, mNCIP, mANP to discuss MCAS symptoms and treatment, and the connection between Lyme disease and MCAS. The seminar was facilitated by Julia Knight, Press and Community Outreach Manager, LDUK.
Deborah Bircham
Deborah is Community Support Coordinator for Mast Cell Action, and also runs her own business as a holistic health coach for people living with long-term illness. She is a mindfulness teacher, naturopathic wellness coach, and Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) practitioner, and uses her own experience of living with chronic pain, MCAS, dysautonomia and Lyme disease to inform her work.
Our free online seminar covered the following topics.
- What is MCAS?
- Allergies vs MCAS
- Symptoms of mast cell activation
- Mast cell mediators
- The histamine bucket
- Common MCAS triggers
- Co-morbidities associated with MCAS
- MCAS and Lyme disease
- Long Covid and MCAS
- Distinguishing MCAS and Lyme symptoms
- Symptoms log
- Dietary management of symptoms
- Managing other MCAS triggers
- MCAS testing and diagnosis
- How do you know if you might have MCAS?
- Advice on seeking medical treatment
- Support and resources available from Mast Cell Action
Watch the online seminar Unravelling the Connection: Lyme Disease and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.
You can also view the slides from our seminar on Lyme Disease and MCAS.
For further information email info@mastcellaction.org or deborah@mastcellaction.org.