Additional Causes and Effects of Excessive Histamine

As we’ve already learned, histamine is a chemical within our bodies at all times. It is created and stored within specialized cells and helps the immune system in defending the body against foreign infection and unwelcomed substances.

In addition, histamine also acts as one of the brain’s ‘messengers’ and aides in releasing gastric-acid to facilitate digestion within the stomach. Research has demonstrated that there are many people who are hypersensitive. This hypersensitivity can result in excessive amounts of histamine when it is exposed to allergens in the environment or in the foods that are consumed. Elevated levels of histamine can cause a variety of reactions and symptoms, ranging from mild distress to full blown allergic reactions.

High levels of histamine may trigger itching on one side of the body or both. The itching is caused when other ty pes of inflammation and irritations are triggered by excessively high levels of histamine. Likewise, large amounts of histamine can cause watery, itchy red ey es, nasal congestion, runny noses, sneezing, irritation to the ey es and ears, and post nasal drip. This ty pe of reaction is usually in response to airborne allergens.

Asthmatic reactions can also occur when there are excessive histamine levels in the bloodstream. This potentially serious and chronic condition takes place when there are increased mucous secretions in the respiratory sy stem. Wheezing, difficulty with breathing and tightness of the chest are common sy mptoms. Over production of histamines can cause swelling in deep tissue, resulting in swelling of the digestive tract, throat, mouth, and restrict breathing, sometimes fatally. A very severe reaction to high levels of histamine can cause Anaphy laxis.

Various symptoms of this potentially life threatening condition may include a sudden dip in blood pressure, abdominal pain, diarrhea, swollen and reddened skin, nausea, vomiting, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, dizziness and fainting.