Anyone who is reading this probably knows firsthand how difficult it can be to live healthy with allergies and histamine intolerance. As children, it is an alienating experience to grow up sick, while also trying to avoid common activities that other children around them never seem to have any issues with. Even after growing up, adults suffering from allergies may continue to suffer from those same physical problems.
Over the course of decades, those suffering from histamine intolerance or allergic hypersensitivity can be left with severe physical and mental health issues. However, that happens when the conditions are left unchecked and untreated. It is possible to live a healthy life, even if you are hypersensitive to histamine and other allergens. It requires discipline, understanding, and medical monitoring, but living healthy with histamine sensitivity is no longer impossible. Knowledge and information are going to be our two primary tools, so let’s get started with a few brief definitions first.
Histamine: Functions and Malfunctions
Histamine is a nitrogenous neurotransmitter that controls certain aspects of local immune response and interacts with the digestive system, the brain, the CNS, and the uterus. It can also interact with other organic systems and body functions if needed. The compound is released from basophils and connective mast cells to aid us with necessary vasodilation, effective gastric acid control, timely immunological responses, and cognitive stimulations among other things.
Unfortunately, when histamine is released in excess, the interactions turn into interferences, which leads the same bodily functions to malfunction. These malfunctions lead to severe autoimmune reactions that can temporarily or even permanently damage the central nervous system, the brain, the bones, connective tissues, the intestinal walls and contraction rates, the stomach lining, the lungs, nasal mucous linings, the throat linings, and much more. In cases of fatal anaphylaxis, histamine is observed as one of the most abundant compounds in the deceased’s blood.
Symptoms and Effects of Histamine Allergy
As mentioned, the negative effects of excess histamine release and hypersensitivity can lead to dire consequences for the entire body. Therefore, symptoms and effects can vary widely in occurrence, frequency, and severity. Nevertheless, the following are some of the most common signs as well as effects of histamine intolerance:
- Itchy, bulging, red skin hives (eczema).
- Swollen, watery, red, itchy eyes.
- Multiple sneezes within a span of seconds or minutes.
- Runny, swollen, reddish nose with congestion and other symptoms identical to a cold.
- Swollen, congested throat and lungs.
- Acute asthmatic attacks.
- Schizophrenia and OCD.
Fighting Against Histamine Allergy for Better Health
We have already discussed the basics, so you know what to look out for and what can happen if you ignore those symptoms long enough. It’s now time to discuss strategies to fight back against the detrimental effects of excess histamine.
Find an Immunologist – The first step would be to contact an immunologist and follow his/her instructions. They will likely order a few medical examinations to determine which allergens are triggering the allergic reactions in your body and which of them cause the most severe reactions. Once your immunologist has the test results, they will work with you to figure out the best plan for managing your condition.
Take a Histamine-Free Probiotic – Probiotics are dependable supplements for anyone looking to improve their gut health and food absorption rate. Unfortunately, some probiotic supplements can also trigger an allergic reaction, especially if you already have a history of food allergies. Try a histamine-free probiotic supplement like this one to improve your digestion without triggering your food allergies.
Get to Know the OTC Antihistamines – Due to how common and severe histamine intolerance is, there are several OTC antihistamine meds and drops available. Get to know the following drug compositions (generic names):
- Chlorpheniramine
- Cetirizine
- Diphenhydramine
- Desloratadine
- Fexofenadine
- Ketotifen
- Levocetirizine
- Loratadine
- Naphazoline
- Olopatadine
- Pheniramine
Take a Histamine Blocker Supplement – There is sufficient proof to suggest that diamine oxidase is a safe and effective histamine blocker. Since most allergic reactions originate from food, a histamine blocker supplement with diamine oxidase can neutralize any chances of excess histamine being released in the first place.
If you have chronic asthma, then your doctor will advise you with the best course of treatment. It usually involves the usage of both preventive and emergency inhalers. However, even if you are not asthmatic, a severe asthmatic reaction from histamine overload in your blood can be managed with emergency inhalers and nebulizers. It’s best to learn how to use them on your own in times of emergency.
