Histamine Allergy: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Histamine allergy refers to adverse reactions triggered by histamine in food or released in the body. Common symptoms include skin reactions, headaches, and digestive complaints.
Things worth knowing about "Histamine allergy"
Histamine allergy refers to adverse reactions triggered by histamine in food or released in the body. Common symptoms include skin reactions, headaches, and digestive complaints.
What is a Histamine Allergy?
The term histamine allergy is commonly used in everyday language, but medically it more accurately describes a condition known as histamine intolerance. Unlike a classic allergic reaction involving the immune system, histamine intolerance is a sensitivity to histamine, a biogenic amine found in many foods and naturally produced by the body. In affected individuals, the body has a reduced ability to break down histamine, leading to a range of symptoms.
Causes
The most common cause of histamine intolerance is a deficiency or reduced activity of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which is responsible for breaking down histamine in the gut. Other contributing factors include:
- Genetically reduced DAO activity
- Intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease or coeliac disease that impair enzyme production
- Certain medications (e.g., some antibiotics, pain relievers, or paradoxically antihistamines in overdose)
- Alcohol consumption, which inhibits histamine breakdown
- High histamine content in foods (e.g., aged cheese, red wine, tinned fish, fermented foods)
Symptoms
Symptoms of histamine intolerance can affect multiple organ systems and vary widely between individuals:
- Skin: Redness, itching, hives (urticaria), flushing
- Digestive system: Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, nausea
- Respiratory system: Runny nose, sneezing, asthma-like symptoms
- Cardiovascular system: Rapid heartbeat, drop in blood pressure
- Nervous system: Headaches, migraines, dizziness, sleep disturbances
Diagnosis
Diagnosing histamine intolerance can be challenging as there is no single definitive test. The diagnostic process typically involves:
- Detailed medical history and a symptom diary
- Elimination diet: Avoiding histamine-rich foods for several weeks
- Provocation test: Controlled reintroduction of histamine under medical supervision
- Blood test: Measurement of DAO enzyme activity (indicative but not conclusive)
- Exclusion of other conditions such as mastocytosis or true food allergies
Treatment
There is currently no cure for histamine intolerance. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and reducing histamine load in the body.
Dietary Measures
The most important step is following a low-histamine diet. Foods high in histamine or those that trigger histamine release (histamine liberators) should be avoided or reduced. These include:
- Red wine, beer, and alcohol in general
- Aged cheeses (e.g., Parmesan, Camembert)
- Canned and smoked fish
- Fermented products (sauerkraut, vinegar, soy sauce)
- Certain fruits (strawberries, tomatoes, citrus fruits)
Medical Treatment
- Antihistamines (H1 blockers): Help relieve acute symptoms such as itching and skin reactions
- DAO enzyme supplements: Diamine oxidase supplements may support histamine breakdown
- Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C: May help enhance DAO enzyme activity
General Recommendations
Keeping a food diary is highly recommended to identify individual triggers. Stress, overexertion, and certain medications can worsen symptoms and should be avoided where possible.
When to See a Doctor
Anyone experiencing recurring symptoms after eating that may suggest histamine intolerance should seek medical advice. Severe reactions such as a significant drop in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention, as these may also be signs of other serious conditions.
References
- Maintz L., Novak N. - Histamine and histamine intolerance, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 85(5):1185-1196 (2007), PubMed PMID: 17490952
- Reese I. et al. - Guideline of the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI): Non-allergic food hypersensitivity, Allergo J Int (2017)
- World Allergy Organization (WAO) - Histamine Intolerance: Overview and current knowledge, www.worldallergy.org
Most purchased products
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®The latest entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryPulmonary edema
Laryngitis Symptoms
Seborrhoeic Keratosis
Most read entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryMagnesiumcarbonat
Calorie content
Cologne list
Related search terms: Histamine allergy