The breakdown of histamine
Histamine is broken down by a number of different enzymes and intermediate substances in the body. After the histamine has passed through the stomach, it is mostly absorbed in the intestines. In the body it is mainly broken down by the so-called diamine oxidase.
The end product imidazolyl acetic acid is produced via various intermediates. This is usually excreted with the urine via the kidneys. The degradation of histamine, which is found in the brain and fulfils its function as a neurotransmitter and messenger, takes place via other enzymes in contrast to the remaining histamine.
Histamine allergyHistamine intolerance
An allergy to histamine per se is not known so far, usually one means with it rather the histamine incompatibility. An allergy to histamine would lead to considerable allergic reactions if it came into contact with the skin or if only small amounts of histamine were eaten. Since histamine is needed for a number of important functions in the human body, a classical allergy to histamine is also unlikely.
The consumption of food containing histamine can lead to so-called pseudo-allergic reactions, whereby histamine intolerance is the cause of the problem. In this clinical picture the activity of the enzyme that breaks down histamine, the diamine oxidase, is reduced. This leads to an accumulation of histamine in the body.
However, histamine plays an important role in allergic reactions to other substances, which is why histamine intolerance due to the accumulation of histamine in the body often leads to symptoms that typically occur in classic allergies.In the case of an allergic reaction, symptoms such as rashes caused by allergy, eczema, redness, difficult breathing, a “runny” nose, an increased heart rate, fatigue and tiredness as well as sleep disturbances are the most common. The occurrence of headaches or migraines can also be typical of the effects of histamine in the body. All these symptoms are an expression of the effect of histamine in the body.
In order to diagnose a histamine intolerance, a symptom diary should first be made, in which it is written down which symptoms occur when and which food and above all when was taken. Furthermore, the doctor (in this case a gastroenterologist) will measure the histamine level in the blood and see if it is permanently elevated. There is also the possibility of carrying out so-called provocation tests.
These tests are offered in special clinics. In this test procedure, the patient is given certain histamine-containing substances and the reactions to them are observed. Appropriate emergency equipment is indispensable for this procedure.
The avoidance of food containing histamine in particular can lead to complete freedom from symptoms in persons with histamine intolerance. The symptoms caused by histamine in an allergic reaction to other substances can be reduced by taking certain drugs. So-called antihistamines can alleviate the symptoms of allergic reactions by inhibiting the effect of histamine at its receptors
