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Causes for too much histamine

by Jewlzee1, Jun 24, 2008 11:19AM
Tags: histamine
I'm 35 female. I've had pruritis off and on for several years. My shins become exremely itchy with rash by heat. I've also been treated for chronic rhinitis and sinitis for 7 years. About 4 years ago I had an upper endoscopy and was diagnosed with esphogitis and gastritis. Also taking Bentyl for IBS. In that same year I started experiencing pain in my chest which a Holter monitor showed tachycardia(sinus?). Approx 4 months ago I got a rash on my cheek and one on the lower left side of my belly.They are extremely itchy. Also having intermittent flu like symptoms (bone & muscle pain)but no fever, brain fog,extreme fatigue and chronic headaches and Dermographism.After much research and being told I'm too young to have all these problems I asked my new Dermotolgist about Mastocytosis. Did a biopsy of rash on belly.Still waiting for results. He said it may or may not be Mastocytosis but I definitely have too much histamine. I'm up to 4-10mg of Atarax a day so I can function again. Still having flares though so we'll add a pill a week until we find the right dosage. So my question is what else could cause too much histamine. I'd like to take something else back to the doc since they seem to be at a loss if not Mastocytosis.
Thanks
Member Comments (3)

by Dr_Aparna, Jun 24, 2008 12:27PM
To: Jewlzee1
Hi,
Mastocytosis comes in three forms. Most cases produce symptoms but do not shorten life expectancy. The three forms are:
Mastocytoma, a benign skin tumor.
Urticaria pigmentosa, small collections of mast cells in the skin that manifest as salmon or brown-colored patches.
Systemic mastocytosis, the collection of mast cells in the skin, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, and bones.
The cause of mastocytosis is unknown. People with systemic mastocytosis have bone and joint pain. Peptic ulcers are frequent because of the increased stomach acid stimulated by histamine. Many patients with systemic mastocytosis also develop urticaria pigmentosa. These skin lesions itch when stroked and may become fluid-filled.
These symptoms seem to be in line with Mastocytosis.
However if biopsy does not confirm it, then it could be due to an immune system disorder.
ref:http://www.myonlinewellness.com/topic/topic100587133

by Jewlzee1, Jun 26, 2008 06:05PM
To: Dr_Aparna
Thank you for your comment. I have one more question for you. I have the results from the biopsy:
Clinical DX:
Mastocytosis
Gross:
Left Abdomen, 4mm punch biopsy of skin. In toto.
REC/
Microscopic:
Ortho and parakeratosis with serum overlie and excoriated epidermis showing slight spongiosis and acanthosis. The superficial and deep dermis have a wedge-shaped perivascular and interstitial infiltrate of lymphocytes with numerous admixed eosinophils.
Diagnosis:
Skin of left abdomen:
Subacute spongiotic dermatitis with eosinophils, favor arthropod assault, see microscopic description and comment
Comment:
The depth of the dermal infiltrate with numerous eosinophils ands its wedge-shape favor arthropod assault. Systemic hypersensitivity reaction is an additional consideration. Other considerations include allergic contact dermatitis and nummular dermatitis. A tryptase stain with appropriate positive and negative controls showa a slight increase in the number of dermal mast cells. However, the overall pattern of the inflammatory infiltrate favors arthropod assault.
He didn't sound convinced about the bug bite and it doesn't explain the inflammation problems everywhere else. He said between the hematologist, him and my primary (internist) one of them would figure it out. The hematologist is running another PPT as the last showed a 59 but according to the lab shouldn't be above 43. Added another 10 mg of Atarax at lunchtime for a total of 20mg at lunch and a total of 50 mg for the day. I know you said might be an immune system disorder but what tests should I ask them to do to maybe get this figured out? Please help!

by Jewlzee1, Jun 26, 2008 09:58PM
To: Dr_Aparna
I forgot I also got the labs back for IgE 109, Hep B neg, Hep C neg, Mono neg, C1 inhibitor 15, Cryoglobulin neg.
Thanks
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