What do histamines do?

Answer by  aragorn (13)

Histamines are produced by the immune system as part of your natural immune response. The white blood cells that produce them detect the presence of an invading molecule and produce histamine in response. The histamine causes a reaction in the area which is aimed at preventing further damage to the body - swelling, itching, redness etc.

Answer by  wyeth (435)

Histamines are chemicals produced when the immune system is fighting foreign substances called antigens.They can cause some potentially harmful effects such as swellings,rashes,increased secretions,raised heart rate and blood pressure.These in turn can cause sneezing,asthma,itch,weeping,headaches,runny nose and so on.Antihistamines can help dampen down some of these undesirable side effects of the immune allergic reactions.

Answer by  mgoodman (204)

Histamine is an amino acid triggered by allergic reactions. Both light sneezing and watery eyes from ragweed or pollen, and anaphylactic shock chocking are histamine alerting the sufferer to avoid.

Answer by  Kath (1537)

Histamines are compounds that trigger an inflammatory reaction. They are part of the immune system. Anti histamines block the histamine immune system response.