Histamine is a chemical substance responsible for a great number of complaints which may arise during allergic reactions. It causes muscle cramps and an inflammation-like process with redness and swelling of mucous membranes. Allergic reactions can occur under a variety of circumstances. For instance, inhaling certain substances, such as grass pollen, house dust, etc., may cause an allergic response. However, the consumption of certain foods may do the same.
Allergies typically bring on complaints very rapidly upon contact with the allergen.
Complaints may vary from a runny nose, sinusitis, earache or runny eyes to itching of the skin, eczema and shortness of breath. Intolerances Conventional medicine can easily diagnose and treat allergies for foods or inhalants. However, demonstrating the presence of intolerances is more difficult. It quite often takes much longer for complaints to come on, thereby masking the possible link between the offensive substance and the complaints themselves. These are only a few of the reasons why food intolerance is considered a fairly controversial concept in conventional medicine.