Histamine is the chemical that is found in and released by mast cells that can lead to certain symptoms depending on which part of the body where the histamine release occurs:
- Nose: runny nose
- Eyes: itchy, watery
- Throat: sore, scratchy
- Lung: wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and cough
How Does Histamine Work
Histamine is an immune system mediator or, more simply, a chemical messenger that helps direct your body's response to a foreign invader. Histamine tells your body's natural defense mechanisms how to react to something it perceives as foreign. In asthma and allergy, your body is over-reacting to something that is not particularly harmful, but has caused your immune system to react. Histamine functions as a vehicle of communication between different parts of the immune system.
Where Does Histamine Come From?
Histamine is released from mast cells and basophils when you are exposed to allergens. When histamine is released, the allergic response begins. Antihistamine drugs are used in the treatment of the allergic symptoms caused by the release of histamine. Some popular anti-histamine medications include:
