When I was looking for EnteroLab test results so I can order some new tests, I found an allergy test record from 1997 (regionalized for AL) pre-MC which shows zeroes for most everything except a few categories. A few of those have +-, however, histamine has 2+ (whatever that means)!
I was planning to ask for staining for my next colonosopy even before I found that result.
Honestly, all the information about mast cells makes my head spin. I cannot understand it. I wish my Dad (an allergist) were still alive to help me.
Histamine
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Joan,
I agree that it can be confusing. Most of the high-histamine food list have some conflicting high-histamine food identifications. I like the list that was posted a few weeks ago by Jean: http://www.histaminintoleranz.ch/en/dow ... st_HIT.pdf
When I've looked at support websites for the problem, it seems that most members take medications to relieve their symptoms, but don't reduce histamines in their diet as much as you'd expect.
It appears to be difficult to get a definitive diagnosis because it seems that we must be having a mast cell reaction before the tryptase test, for example, will be positive. Also, the few doctors qualified to diagnose the condition seem to be in Boston.
If you suspect you have a mast cell problem, you can always try taking an antihistamine to see if it relieves your symptoms. Also, if eliminating (or if you have had to eliminate) high-histamine foods to improve, you probably have a problem. That's how I see it, anyway.
Gloria
I agree that it can be confusing. Most of the high-histamine food list have some conflicting high-histamine food identifications. I like the list that was posted a few weeks ago by Jean: http://www.histaminintoleranz.ch/en/dow ... st_HIT.pdf
When I've looked at support websites for the problem, it seems that most members take medications to relieve their symptoms, but don't reduce histamines in their diet as much as you'd expect.
It appears to be difficult to get a definitive diagnosis because it seems that we must be having a mast cell reaction before the tryptase test, for example, will be positive. Also, the few doctors qualified to diagnose the condition seem to be in Boston.
If you suspect you have a mast cell problem, you can always try taking an antihistamine to see if it relieves your symptoms. Also, if eliminating (or if you have had to eliminate) high-histamine foods to improve, you probably have a problem. That's how I see it, anyway.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Thanks, Gloria
I am wondering how my skin prick test may relate to MC.
I also am confused about which class of antihistamines to take.
I am going to ask for a stain on my next biopsy.
I want my life back again. Planning to redo EnteroLab tests for yeast and eggs. Thinking about the new food panel, too. I'd love some PP feedback on the latter.
Need to be better for a road trip in July to go to DH's reunion and to see my Mom. Right now the thought of travel is way too daunting.
I also am confused about which class of antihistamines to take.
I am going to ask for a stain on my next biopsy.
I want my life back again. Planning to redo EnteroLab tests for yeast and eggs. Thinking about the new food panel, too. I'd love some PP feedback on the latter.
Need to be better for a road trip in July to go to DH's reunion and to see my Mom. Right now the thought of travel is way too daunting.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and don't play one on TV.
LDN July 18, 2014
Joan
LDN July 18, 2014
Joan
Joan,
Regarding antihistamines, it's best to try ordinary OTC H1 type antihistamines, such as Clariton (use the Claritin reditabs, not the regular Claritin, because the regular Claritin tablets contain lactose, the reditabs do not) or Allegra (Benedryl is another option, but it will cause drowsiness).
If it's going to help, it should do so the first day. If a type H1 antihistamine doesn't seem to help, then an H2 type antihistamine might work. The problem is that for some of us, the H2 antihistamines can cause D, so they're not an option for everyone. H2 type antihistamines include Zantac and Tagamet, for example.
Tex
Regarding antihistamines, it's best to try ordinary OTC H1 type antihistamines, such as Clariton (use the Claritin reditabs, not the regular Claritin, because the regular Claritin tablets contain lactose, the reditabs do not) or Allegra (Benedryl is another option, but it will cause drowsiness).
If it's going to help, it should do so the first day. If a type H1 antihistamine doesn't seem to help, then an H2 type antihistamine might work. The problem is that for some of us, the H2 antihistamines can cause D, so they're not an option for everyone. H2 type antihistamines include Zantac and Tagamet, for example.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex
Thanks very much.
I'll certainly try the H1. I don't need any more D for sure.
The last time I tried an antihistamine, one kind didn't seem to do anything and the other made me sick. Maybe, it was Claritin and now I know why! Thanks again for that warning.
It' s always something............
I'll certainly try the H1. I don't need any more D for sure.
The last time I tried an antihistamine, one kind didn't seem to do anything and the other made me sick. Maybe, it was Claritin and now I know why! Thanks again for that warning.
It' s always something............
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and don't play one on TV.
LDN July 18, 2014
Joan
LDN July 18, 2014
Joan
I have asked my allergist specifically about antihistamines for mast cell issues, cholinergic urticaria, bowel problems, etc. He states over and over that Zyrtec is the strongest and most effective antihistamine for this type of issue. When he suggested I double the daily recommended dose of zyrtec (to 20mg/daily) My diarrhea stopped! He requested that the GI stain my old biopsy for mast cells and it came back negative 
I have all of the histamine symptoms...swelling, low BP, itchiness with heat, heat rash, irritability with high histamine foods, etc.
I was super surprised, but the biopsy was old so who knows.
BTW, I take liquid Allertec to avoid the lactose in the pills.
Hope that is helpful info! Susie
I have all of the histamine symptoms...swelling, low BP, itchiness with heat, heat rash, irritability with high histamine foods, etc.I was super surprised, but the biopsy was old so who knows.
BTW, I take liquid Allertec to avoid the lactose in the pills.
Hope that is helpful info! Susie
Susie,
Mast cell activation disorder can occur with normal mast cell counts, so your biopsy results may have been correct.
Thanks for the information,
Tex
Mast cell activation disorder can occur with normal mast cell counts, so your biopsy results may have been correct.
Thanks for the information,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I first tried Benadryl, which helped for about two weeks. Then it stopped helping. I tried a compound formula of Benadryl, thinking it was the dye or other inactive ingredients, but it still no longer worked. Next I tried Zyrtec, but it didn't seem to do anything. I tried Allegra after that, and regular Claritin. Finally, I settled on Claritin RediTabs. I suspect that antihistamines work differently for each of us and we have to test their effectiveness. I'm taking the Claritin more to control my skin reactions than for my MC. Hopefully, it's doing both.
It's getting warmer, however, and I've already got an itchy scalp, so I may need to add Zyrtec for more control.
Gloria
It's getting warmer, however, and I've already got an itchy scalp, so I may need to add Zyrtec for more control.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.