Histamin-Intoleranz

Abstract

Besides the physiologic actions (control of brain functions, release of gastric fluid and downregulation of blood pressure) increased histamine may be responsible for several diseases like: cephaleas, migraine, stuffy or running nose postprandial, bronchial asthma, tachycardia, urticaria, diarrhia, dysmenorrhea, hypotension and anaphylactic shock. In addition, motion sickness, vomiting in pregnancy, osteoporosis, paradontosis, drug dependency, hypotension, atopic dermatitis and wound healing may be clearly influenced by histamine. The diagnosis is based on a case history of intolerance of food containing high levels of histamine, like red wine, hard cheese, sauerkraut, salami and fish. Besides the case history, the radioimmunologic determination of histamine and DAO in blood is necessary, followed by a histamine free diet for two weeks and again determination of histamine and DAO in blood. Therapy is then based on a histamine free diet, antihistamines and possibly diaminooxidase containing capsules prior to food intake. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.