Alester Brown

Symptoms You Have High Histamine Levels

Stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing and watery eyes? Could be allergies, and if so, your symptoms are likely caused by histamines. What are histamines? These are byproducts of your immune system that cause blood to flow to areas of your body being affected by allergens. So, what are histamines doing that leads to allergy symptoms? Well, the increased blood flow is what causes inflammation and the uncomfortable symptoms of allergies.

Below are several common symptoms of high histamine levels that may warrant a trip to see your doctor:

Coughing

In general, histamines themselves don't lead to coughing. Instead, histamine production stimulates mucus production in your sinuses. When this happens, mucus may run down the back of your throat.

This often results in coughing, irritation and a sore throat. Mucus may also make its way into your lungs, leading to a feeling of tightness in your chest and a frequent cough as your body tries to clear the mucus from your airways. Expectorant medications may help to ease this uncomfortable side effect of high histamine levels.

Sneezing

Sneezing is another sign of high histamine levels as the sinuses and nasal passageways become inflamed due to increased blood flow. Irritation from allergens can also increase sneezing and lead to rhinitis.

Blowing your nose often when you're affected by high histamine levels may reduce sneezing, but antihistamine medications may also be needed to clear things up. In some cases, your doctor may recommend you take a decongestant medication alongside an antihistamine to dry the mucus in your sinuses.

Watery Eyes

Watery, tearful eyes are also a symptom of high histamine levels. When your eyes water, they are trying to rid your body of an irritant. This is a protection mechanism, and it also occurs when dust and debris get in your eyes.

An antihistamine medication may resolve watery eyes when caused by allergens, but you will want to check with your doctor to discuss your symptoms in detail. Watery eyes tend to come and go, but if you've been experiencing watery eyes for weeks, something more complex may be happening in your body.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown is a certified immunotherapist. She advises people on personalized home allergy and skin treatment at home. You can find her thoughts at allergy care blog.