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Histamine is a chemical (neuro-transmitter) responsible for numerous symptoms of allergic reaction. The amount present in the blood or urine can help confirm or rule out the presence of an allergy.
Although there is always some histamine in your body, a mosquito bite (for example) causes your body to release more histamine in the area of the bite, making your skin red and itchy. In extreme cases, histamine levels in someone who is allergic to a bee sting or a particular food like peanuts can be elevated so high that it causes anaphylactic shock and possibly death.
Adrenaline (Epinephrine) is the only chemical that can quickly eliminate histamine in a person. So called "antihistamines" like Benadryl only work to block some of your body's histamine receptors (relieving some histamine related symptoms), they do not remove histamine.
Directions
For three days prior to the test, avoid ingesting foods that increase histamine levels (particularly cheeses and sauerkraut). A blood sample or urine sample will be taken and then analysed.
Expected Outcome
Histamine levels that are slightly elevated suggest that symptoms may be due to an allergic reaction, although the specific allergens can not be identified through this test. Extremely high levels may indicate mastocytosis, or possibly cancer. Note that false-positive and false-negative results are possible.
Depending on the results, further testing may be recommended. Possibilities are: skin tests, RAST, or challenge tests; biopsy and/or CT scan.
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Test Histamine Levels can help with the following:
KEY | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Adrenaline (Epinephrin, Epinephrine)
A hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla that is released into the bloodstream in response to physical or mental stress, as from fear or injury. It initiates many bodily responses, including the stimulation of heart action and an increase in blood pressure, metabolic rate, and blood glucose concentration.
Allergen (Allergens)
A substance that is capable of producing an allergic response in the body.
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Anaphylactic Shock (Anaphalactic Shock, Anaphylaxis)
A serious and rapid allergic reaction usually involving more than one part of the body which, if severe enough, can kill. It is characterized by decreased blood pressure and impaired respiration.
Biopsy
Removal of a sample of tissue from a living being for diagnosis. A pathologist later uses a microscope to look for certain features, such as cancer cells, in the sample. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy involves inserting a thin needle to remove a small amount of tissue, sometimes using CT or ultrasound to guide the needle. A core biopsy involves obtaining a sample of tissue with a thick needle or by inserting a thin, lighted tube (laparoscope) into a small incision in the abdomen. Another biopsy method is to remove tissue during an operation.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Computerised Tomography (CAT Scan, Computed Tomography, Computerized Axial Tomography, CT Scan)
A scanning procedure using X-rays and a computer to detect abnormalities of the body's organs. This technique provides cross-sectional images of body organs, which is much clearer than those provided by conventional X-rays.
Histamine
A chemical in the body tissues, produced by the breakdown of histidine. It is released in allergic reactions and causes widening of capillaries, decreased blood pressure, increased release of gastric juice, fluid leakage forming itchy skin and hives, and tightening of smooth muscles of the bronchial tube and uterus. Histamine is the chemical that drives the initial acute allergic reaction, causing itching, swelling and congestion.
Last updated: Jan 03, 2010
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