Histamine is a chemical produced naturally by the body in response to allergic stimuli in the environment. However, various forms of histamine can be used to treat human ailments, including as ulcers. When used as a treatment instead of a naturally-occurring chemical, histamine is often blended. Both blended and naturally-occurring levels of histamine can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe or life threatening.
Manifestation of Allergic Symptoms
Histamine is the body's natural chemical response to the presence of an allergen. Using histamine for any kind of treatment, whether for allergies or other conditions, can trigger allergic reactions according to Kids Health and the Mayo Clinic. These reactions can include sneezing, itching skin, runny nose, watering eyes, rashes, and hives as well as more severe allergy-related traumas.
Respiratory Difficulties
According to Drugs.com, respiratory problems following histamine use can be signs of a systemic reaction to the medication. These respiratory problems include difficulty breathing, as if one is experiencing an asthmatic incident. Bronchial constriction and true asthmatic incidents may also be side effects of histamine use.
Headaches, Confusion & Dizziness
Histamine use has been linked to headaches, confusion, and dizziness. Though these side effects can occur in users of any age, they are particularly pronounced in older patients. Older patients are the most likely to experience confusion as a result of taking histamine treatments for non-allergy related ailments, while younger patients will most likely report dizziness and headaches.
Cramping and Evacuation Issues
When histamine agents are used in the treatment of duodenal ulcers or as an antacid, they can trigger gastrointestinal side effects. Some of these side effects include stomach cramping or lower intestinal spasms. The intensity of these effects varies from mild to severe.
Along with cramping and discomfort, histamine use can also cause problems with evacuation. This includes constipation and difficulty with urination, including a build up in the urine which may impede natural flow.
In truly severe cases, histamines have been linked to liver and kidney disease according to Drugs.com. However, these are more long-term side effects of histamine use than common outcomes. Close monitoring by a physician can mitigate some of the effects if there is no alternative to histamine use.
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