{"id":3573,"date":"2018-04-23T16:57:37","date_gmt":"2018-04-23T21:57:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iseai.org\/?p=3573"},"modified":"2018-04-23T17:01:50","modified_gmt":"2018-04-23T22:01:50","slug":"its-that-season-again-histamine-what-are-you-doing-to-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iseai.org\/its-that-season-again-histamine-what-are-you-doing-to-me\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s That Season Again. Histamine \u2013 What Are You Doing to Me?"},"content":{"rendered":"

By\u00a0Lori Allen, RPh, ISEAI Diplomate, owner of Mixtures Pharmacy<\/a><\/p>\n

H<\/span>ave you ever walked into a friend\u2019s home and started to sneeze, or got itchy eyes, and then found out that your friend has cats? Are you able to tell what trees are in season because your nose gets congested and you have problems breathing? Do you have to scan ingredient lists, or ask about how foods are prepared when you eat out, because you know you\u2019ll get diarrhea and stomach cramping if you mistakenly eat a particular food? If so, you\u2019re likely affected by histamine. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Most of us know that when we have an allergy, histamine is the primary culprit that causes our eyes to water and our nose to run. This little protein molecule is stored primarily in mast cells and when released through a process called degranulation<\/em>, can signal inflammation and itching. Histamine is found almost everywhere in the body and is particularly abundant in tissue prone to injury like our arms, legs, skin and blood vessels. <\/span><\/p>\n

When we\u2019re exposed to invading pathogens (like a virus or bacteria), allergens (like pollen or animal dander), or toxins (mosquito bites, snake bites, or mold), our immune system releases antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) into the blood stream. The IgE then causes histamine to flood the area. How we experience this histamine reaction depends on the receptor(s) the histamine bind to. <\/span><\/p>\n

There are 4 different histamine receptors in our body labeled H1, H2, H3, and H4 receptors<\/em>. The H1 receptors are primarily found in the smallest blood vessels called capillaries, which allows the capillaries to become more leaky and can make the surrounding area appear puffy. The H1 receptors also work on smooth muscle contraction, primarily in the digestive and bronchial muscles, which presents as breathing problems like asthma and stomach issues like cramping. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) block the H1 receptor. <\/span><\/p>\n

When they are turned on by histamine, H2 receptors cause increased secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. They can also cause a slight increase in vasodilation (flushing), but more slowly than the H1 receptors do. H2 stimulation may also inhibit the release of a brain hormone called prolactin. Medications that block the effect of histamine on the H2 receptors (such as the OTC medications cimetidine, famotidine, ranitidine, nizantidine) are used for acid reflux. <\/span><\/p>\n

The H3 receptors reduce histamine release in the brain, the peripheral nervous system, and elsewhere in the body. They also affect other brain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and may be implicated in Tourette\u2019s syndrome. No drugs have been developed to specifically block or enhance this receptor, but researchers suspect that H3 receptor inhibition (or activation) may be useful in certain neuropsychiatric conditions. The H4 receptors are found in the bone marrow and on white blood cells and have effects on eosinophils and mast cells. No drugs have been developed for H4 receptors, but blocking H4 receptors might be useful in asthma and allergies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Symptoms<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

(Used with permission from Dr Sandeep Gupta and Dr Jill Carnahan http:\/\/www.moldillnessmadesimple.com\/mims\/mast-cells-and-mold-illness-with-dr-jill-carnahan<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

Now I have painted a picture that makes histamine out to be a pretty good villain. But like some of our favorite villains they can sometimes have a good side. <\/strong><\/p>\n