Anti-histamine

[Pebbledash]

Hi folks,

I don't pretend to really understand the topic of mast cells, though I have skimmed some of the stuff on here a few times. I get the idea that they represent an allergy-type reaction in the cells of the intestines . . . ?

Anyway, my question is this: is there any evidence, anecdotal or otherwise, that anti-histamines (eg loratadine) have a role to play in suppressing flare-ups?

I ask because I have been suffering from a 6 month flare-up, worsened by tremendous work-related stress, managed by daily doses of Pepto-B and imodium; recently, though, I have been taking loratadine for nasal allergies . . . and wondered if there might be any link to what appears to be a slight improvement in my tummy.

Thanks.

[tex]

I get the idea that they represent an allergy-type reaction in the cells of the intestines . . . ?

That's correct, the intestines contain more mast cells than any other part of the body. However, mast calls can be found virtually anywhere in or on the body, and they can cause inflammation anywhere they exist.

Anyway, my question is this: is there any evidence, anecdotal or otherwise, that anti-histamines (eg loratadine) have a role to play in suppressing flare-ups?

Your doctor won't be aware of it, if that's what you're asking, nor will you be able to find research articles published in prestigious medical journals that discuss it, but all you have to do is read some of the more recent posts on this board to see that it seems to be be very beneficial for many people who have MC that does not respond to other types of treatment.

You can find more detailed information on the role that mast cells play with MC, and info on treating mast cell issues by reading the short articles that can be accessed by clicking on the links found in the post at the link below:

Mast Cells And Microscopic Colitis

You're very welcome,
Tex

[Pebbledash]

Thanks Tex!
Are there folks who take loratadine on a daily basis? Is there any problem with doing this, any particularly worrisome side effects (aside from the usual stuff like sleepiness)?

[tex]

As far as I am aware, there are no long-term risks to taking an antihistamine. There is the possibility that eventually they may become somewhat less effective as our body slowly develops a tolerance for them, but that's true of virtually any medication.

Many people find that after they are able to achieve remission, and their intestines have some time to heal, mast cell activity will tend to subside, and they are usually eventually able to discontinue taking a daily antihistamine, without any resurgence of problems. This may depend on how "clean" one's diet is, though. IOW, if our diet continues to contain trace amounts of foods to which we react (even though the amounts may be below the threshold that triggers a reaction), then our immune system will be unable to decrease it's level of alertness sufficiently to where mast cell activity returns to normal (nonreactive) levels.

Seasonal allergies can have an effect also, and many of us find that our MC symptoms increase during spring and/or fall pollen season. When that happens, we just resume taking an antihistamine, as needed.

Tex

[wmonique2]

There are several of us here on this forum who take antihistamines on a daily basis. Some of us take 2 kinds. I take fexofenadine (allegra) and it works great. Leah takes both benadryl (at night) and allegra daytime. It makes a huge difference.

BTW, I told my general practitioner of this and he thought it was genial. He now recommends his patients this protocol.

Monique

[Pebbledash]

Great information--many thanks.

I've been taking generic (Walgreens) loratadine. Is there any reason to consider benadryl or allegra? Pros and cons?

[tex]

Some antihistamines just don't seem to work as well as others for many of us. What works for one, may not work well for others. This is probably due to differences in body chemistry.

Be sure to read the labels, because some antihistamines contain ingredients that many of us cannot tolerate. For example, regular Claritin (loratadine) contains lactose, but Claritin Redi-tabs does not. Therefore, the members here who take Claritin, take the Redi-tabs instead.

The older antihistamines (such as Benadryl) typically cause drowsiness, whereas the newer products usually have an anti-drowsy formulation. Benedryl works very well though, as an antihistamine, so members who prefer to use it, usually take it before bedtime. That way not only do they minimize the problem of drowsiness during the daytime, but it helps them to sleep, as well.

I usually use Allegra, simply because Claritin doesn't seem to work as well for me to prevent hay fever symptoms during pollen season. I usually don't need an antihistamine though, except during pollen season.

Tex

[Pebbledash]

Thanks again, Tex.