| You are here: | About>Health>Food Allergies> Glossary> Histamine - Definition of Histamine |
![]() | Food Allergies |
Living with Food AllergiesEating Out with Food AllergiesAlcohol Allergies and IntolerancesFrugal Living and Food Allergies "Histamine"About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Definition: Histamine is a protein released by mast cells in the immune system when the body encounters an allergen. The release of histamine causes inflammation and is responsible for a number of allergic symptoms, including asthma, swelling, and rhinitis. Many over-the-counter and prescription allergy drugs are antihistamines, which work by blocking the action of histamine in the body. Pronunciation: HISS-ta-mean Updated: February 8, 2008 Living with Food AllergiesEating Out with Food AllergiesAlcohol Allergies and IntolerancesFrugal Living and Food Allergies |
Dealing With Heart DiseaseHeart Disease BasicsCommon SymptomsTreatment OptionsReducing Your RiskWomen and Heart Disease |
All Topics | Email Article | | | ![]() |
| Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | Help | Our Story | Be a Guide |
| More from About, Inc.: Calorie Count Plus | UCompareHealthCare User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Corrections | Privacy Policy | ©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved. |


