In this Article:
The Allergic Reaction
The Immune System and Histamine
A healthy person's immune system defends him from threats that enter the body, either through our breathing, eating, or touch. However, an abnormally, hypersensitive, immune system attacks harmless bodies (i.e. allergens) which enter the body. When this happens the body in effect attacks itself. The immune system's mast cells secrete
histamine which is supposed to attack enemies . Histamine is a powerful chemical which can affect the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory system, skin or the cardiovascular system.
Histamine attacks the body it is supposed to protect
In an
allergic reaction, the immune system improperly uses histamine to damage the bodies own tissues. The allergy
symptoms you have depend on where in the body the
histamine is released. If histamine is released in the skin, you may develop hives or a rash. If it is released in the ears, nose and throat, you may have an runny
nose, coughing, or trouble breathing or swallowing. If histamine is released in the gastrointestinal tract, you likely will develop stomach pains, cramps or diarrhea. Many people experience a combination of
symptoms as the food is passes through the digestive system. We see that histamine can have a variety of effects on the body.
Antihistamines neutralize the Histamine attack
Physicians will often give
antihistamine medicine. This chemical breaks down the histamine molecules and neutralize them. This prevents further irritation to the body and relieves
symptoms.
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