Most of us have heard of histamines but do you know what they are, what they do and where they come from?

Histamine is a chemical in our body that works as part of our immune system along with helping to control the function of our gut. It also plays a role as a neurotransmitter with one’s brain, spinal cord and uterus.

A number of allergy medications contain anti-histamines which help counter act some of the allergic responses caused by the body’s histamine, especially itching. Products such as Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin, Benadryl, Dimetane, and Tavist contain antihistamines.

Histamine is produced in white blood cells known as basophils and in mast cells.

Okay, what in the world are mast cells?

“Mast cells are ‘master regulators’ of the immune system. They come from bone marrow and go into all tissues of the body. Each mast cell contains secretory granules (storage sacs), each containing powerful biologically active molecules called mediators. These can be secreted when mast cells are triggered, leading to allergic and inflammatory diseases.”

“Mast cells are known to cause severe allergies, unexplained or difficult to treat symptoms affecting numerous parts of the body. Mast cells play an important protective role and have been observed as being intimately involved in wound healing and defense against pathogens.”

“Mast cells are located in connective tissue, including the skin, the linings of the stomach and intestine, and other sites. They play an important role in helping defend these tissues from disease. By releasing chemical “alarms” such as histamine, mast cells attract other key players of the immune defense system to areas of the body where they are needed.”

Mast cells are good and yet they can be bad. Without mast cells, our bodies would not heal from any wounds.

When mast cells are bad, they can cause a condition known at mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).

“Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a condition symptoms involving the skin, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurologic systems. It can be classified into primary (clonal proliferation or mastocytosis), secondary (due to a specific stimulus), and idiopathic (no identifiable cause). Proposed criteria for the diagnosis of MCAS included episodic symptoms consistent with mast cell mediator release affecting two or more organ systems with hives, swelling, flushing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, fainting, heart palpitations, wheezing, red eyes, itching, and/or nasal congestion.”

What triggers MCAS? It can be triggered by a number of things including chemicals, cold temperatures, environmental toxins, foods, hormones, hot temperatures, insect bites, medications, noxious odors, opioids, pressure, stressors (emotional and physical), supplements and trauma.

Many cases of MCAS are associated with chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRD) which is due to molds, inflammagens and lyme-related toxins.

There are a number of diseases and health conditions that have been associated with MCAS and they include, allergies, asthma, autism, autoimmune diseases, celiac disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, eosinophilic esophagus, fibromyalgia, food allergies and intolerances, GERDS, infertility associated with endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowl syndrome, migraine headaches, insomnia, depression, anxiety and more.

Treatment for MCAS depends on the type and severity. If you suspect you may be suffering from MCAS, see your doctor and ask to be tested. If tests are positive, then treatment can be prescribed.