Let's learn exactly about histamine, the chemical behind the itchy, hives-causing 'allergy'!

Do you also experience itching, hives, and red, watery eyes when you touch dust, go out in the cold, or eat something? Do you sometimes have difficulty breathing? We often call this an 'allergy'. So today we are going to talk about one of the main characters behind this allergy. He is histamine. You may have heard this name from a doctor or from the name of the medicine you take for your allergies. Let's see what histamine is and what it does to the body.

Simply put, who is this histamine?

Think of our body as a well-protected country. Even if a foreign invader enters this country, even something that is harmless to our body (for example, a speck of dust, a flower stamen, or a food item like a shrimp), our defense system (immune system) sometimes mistakes it for an enemy.

At that time, the cells in our immune system release a chemical to talk to other cells, to exchange messages. It's like a warning message saying, "Here comes an enemy, act quickly!" That messenger is called histamine.

This chemical called histamine is stored in our bodies mainly in two types of cells.

1. Mast cells: These are a type of white blood cell found in connective tissue throughout our bodies. They are especially abundant under the skin, near blood vessels and lymph vessels, in the nerves, lungs, and intestines.

2. Basophils: This is another type of white blood cell found in the blood.

When something harmful comes into contact with the body, these cells release histamine, causing the symptoms of an allergy. Usually, these symptoms are limited to one area of ​​the body, but sometimes this reaction can be very severe. We call it anaphylaxis . This is an emergency that affects the whole body and can even be life-threatening.

What does histamine do in the body? What's this about receptors?

Histamine is not just a bad guy who causes allergies. It performs a number of very important functions in the body. What histamine does in the body depends on the receptor it binds to. Just as the same key can open several doors, the room you enter will differ depending on which door you open. Scientists have identified four types of histamine receptors.

Let's look at this to understand it clearly.

What are the main medical conditions that can be associated with histamine?

Allergic conditions are mainly caused by the action of the messenger histamine. Here are some examples:

• Atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema): A condition that causes the skin to become dry, red, scaly, and intensely itchy, often referred to as 'eczema'.
• Contact dermatitis: An allergy that occurs when something comes into contact with the skin. For example, synthetic fragrances, certain metals (such as nickel), and preservatives.
• Allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever): This is a common condition that many people experience. It is caused by things like dust, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, causing a runny nose, runny nose, and nasal congestion.
• Allergic asthma: The same causes as above, but here the airways become narrowed, causing difficulty breathing and wheezing.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: A condition in which the conjunctiva of the eyes becomes swollen, red, itchy, and watery due to an allergen.

What is Histamine Intolerance?

This is a little different. Sometimes our body's histamine levels become too high. This is because the body is unable to break down histamine properly. When this happens, various symptoms can occur.

• Headaches or migraines
• Nasal congestion
• Always tired
• Hives
• Digestive problems
• Irregular menstrual cycles in women

If you have these symptoms consistently, it's important to see a doctor and talk about it.

So how do you control this histamine?

There are several treatments that doctors recommend to control the discomfort caused by histamine. These are the ones that come to mind when you hear the word allergy medicine.

• H1 antihistamines: These are the drugs we commonly know as 'allergy pills'. They work by blocking the H1 receptors mentioned above. This prevents histamine from binding to those receptors and causing itching and hives. These come in a variety of forms, including pills, syrups, creams, and eye drops. Some of them can be taken without a doctor's prescription, but it's best to ask your doctor which medication is best for you.
• H2 antihistamines: These are mainly used for stomach problems. They are given for conditions like gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and indigestion (dyspepsia). They work by blocking the H2 receptors in the stomach that produce acid.
• Corticosteroids: We call these 'steroids'. They help reduce inflammation caused by histamine. For example, many inhalers used to control asthma contain these steroid medications.
• Epinephrine injections: This is very important. This injection is given as an emergency treatment in life-threatening situations, such as a severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis. It quickly opens the airways and restores blood pressure.
• Some studies have found that certain vitamins, such as vitamin C, copper, and vitamin B6, can help reduce histamine levels in the body. However, do not take any of these supplements without first talking to your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have seasonal allergies or are experiencing symptoms of an allergy to something, especially if they are interfering with your daily activities, it is important to see a doctor. Your doctor can perform tests to determine exactly what you are allergic to and recommend the best treatment for you. Also, talk to your doctor about any symptoms of histamine intolerance mentioned above.

Although histamine is essential for the normal functioning of our body, sometimes when it becomes too active, it can cause us a lot of trouble. Therefore, there is no need to suffer from such discomfort. These conditions can be best controlled by seeking proper medical advice.

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