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Suggest Treatment For Indigestion And Tachycardia When Diagnosed With Histamine Intolerance

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Posted on Sat, 4 Apr 2015
Question: I was diagnosed with histamine intolerance in an emergency room when I was admitted for anaphylaxis. I have had many episodes of this, many idiopathic. I have frequent urticaria, migraines, severe pain, fatigue, upset stomach, indigestion, heartburn, tachycardia, anxiety, and muscle weakness. I take claritin twice daily, zantac before meals, DAO before meals, quercetin once daily, and vitamins and minerals including a B-complex, C, copper, and zinc. My symptoms sometimes seem controlled, but when things get bad, it takes weeks to get them controlled. Currently, I would guess that my symptoms are aggravated by the melting snow causing an increase in mold in the air and perhaps springtime plant growth. Two days ago I had an episode of anaphylaxis preceded by urticaria. I've had diarrhea all day today, an upset stomach, heartburn, indigestion, slight urticaria, over-production of mucous, a terrible headache, and burning and shooting pain, primarily in my feet, but also in my ankles, shins, and shoulders. I have eaten only rice with some soy-free vegan margarine with salt and parsley and an apple. I have taken all of my medication. Is there anything else I can do? It is difficult to find a doctor to treat me. All of the specialists I find are very far away.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I suspect more than one underlying condition causing your symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I have a couple of things I would like to discuss with you and so would request your patience and understanding if at all my reply gets lengthy, my apologies in advance.

Firstly, the melting snow can cause a number of allergic reactions but it is also important to note that virus and bacteria begin to thrive in this weather, especially after the temperatures reach positive levels. The same issues seems to be rising where I live as well. Many patients have reported with symptoms of an allergy, but majority of them have been diagnosed with respiratory tract infections so I would request you to write to me if at all you experienced a fever or even expulsion of phlegm or sputum during this period, so I can rule infections out.

Claritin (with the active ingredients loratadine) is indeed effective, but there are numerous other drugs out there that can help as well. Like:

+Montelukast (especially helpful with respiratory allergies)
+Pheniramine
+Chlorpheniramine

In my opinion, very few of your symptoms are related to an allergic reaction and so we need to evaluate you elaborately and find other conditions that could be causing the other symptoms and treat them separately, as you are not receiving treatment for all your symptoms.

1. Migraine headaches: Are very common in women belonging to the reproductive age group and is mainly due to a hormonal effect in women, but can also be triggered by lack of sleep, long gaps between meals, exposure to extreme temperatures, stressful conditions, etc. You will need medications to treat the migraine headaches

2. Stomach upset, indigestion, heartburn: Could be related to conditions like gastritis, acid reflux, peptic ulcer disease, etc. All these conditions can be triggered by anxiety, panic or stress. You will need antacids to help control these symptoms. Also:
+Drink plenty of water
+Avoid stress
+Avoid smoking
+Avoid alcohol
+Avoid carbonated drinks
+Avoid spicy/fried/fatty/oily food
+Take antacids (e.g. omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, etc.) that help reduce acid production
+Eat small meals more frequently (5-6 times a day) instead of 2-3 larger meals

3. Diarrhoea: You seem to be suffering from diarrhoea quite frequently, am I right? If so, then this could raise doubt for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, etc. These conditions restrict or limit the absorption of vitamin B12 from the large intestine. Vitamin B12 is responsible for maintaining good health of blood vessels. With lowered vitamin B12 levels, it can result in symptoms like tingling sensation, muscle weakness, numbness, and even shooting pain at times. Please speak to your doctor to adequately address both your diarrhoea (may require a colonoscopy) and your vitamin B12 deficiency

A general physician should be able to treat all your symptoms, and should be suspicious by now with the appearance of your symptoms, knowing that there is more than one underlying condition ma'am.

I would recommend a diagnosis first ma'am, and once you understand your diagnosis we should be able to work towards relieving you of all your symptoms permanently. For now, you could try other antihistamines, along with antacids as recommended, avoid stress, try relaxation techniques, get vitamin B12 injectables instead of oral supplements, get migraine management medications (e.g. sumatriptan, propranolol, etc.).

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.

Best wishes.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Indigestion And Tachycardia When Diagnosed With Histamine Intolerance

Brief Answer: I suspect more than one underlying condition causing your symptoms Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I have a couple of things I would like to discuss with you and so would request your patience and understanding if at all my reply gets lengthy, my apologies in advance. Firstly, the melting snow can cause a number of allergic reactions but it is also important to note that virus and bacteria begin to thrive in this weather, especially after the temperatures reach positive levels. The same issues seems to be rising where I live as well. Many patients have reported with symptoms of an allergy, but majority of them have been diagnosed with respiratory tract infections so I would request you to write to me if at all you experienced a fever or even expulsion of phlegm or sputum during this period, so I can rule infections out. Claritin (with the active ingredients loratadine) is indeed effective, but there are numerous other drugs out there that can help as well. Like: +Montelukast (especially helpful with respiratory allergies) +Pheniramine +Chlorpheniramine In my opinion, very few of your symptoms are related to an allergic reaction and so we need to evaluate you elaborately and find other conditions that could be causing the other symptoms and treat them separately, as you are not receiving treatment for all your symptoms. 1. Migraine headaches: Are very common in women belonging to the reproductive age group and is mainly due to a hormonal effect in women, but can also be triggered by lack of sleep, long gaps between meals, exposure to extreme temperatures, stressful conditions, etc. You will need medications to treat the migraine headaches 2. Stomach upset, indigestion, heartburn: Could be related to conditions like gastritis, acid reflux, peptic ulcer disease, etc. All these conditions can be triggered by anxiety, panic or stress. You will need antacids to help control these symptoms. Also: +Drink plenty of water +Avoid stress +Avoid smoking +Avoid alcohol +Avoid carbonated drinks +Avoid spicy/fried/fatty/oily food +Take antacids (e.g. omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, etc.) that help reduce acid production +Eat small meals more frequently (5-6 times a day) instead of 2-3 larger meals 3. Diarrhoea: You seem to be suffering from diarrhoea quite frequently, am I right? If so, then this could raise doubt for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, etc. These conditions restrict or limit the absorption of vitamin B12 from the large intestine. Vitamin B12 is responsible for maintaining good health of blood vessels. With lowered vitamin B12 levels, it can result in symptoms like tingling sensation, muscle weakness, numbness, and even shooting pain at times. Please speak to your doctor to adequately address both your diarrhoea (may require a colonoscopy) and your vitamin B12 deficiency A general physician should be able to treat all your symptoms, and should be suspicious by now with the appearance of your symptoms, knowing that there is more than one underlying condition ma'am. I would recommend a diagnosis first ma'am, and once you understand your diagnosis we should be able to work towards relieving you of all your symptoms permanently. For now, you could try other antihistamines, along with antacids as recommended, avoid stress, try relaxation techniques, get vitamin B12 injectables instead of oral supplements, get migraine management medications (e.g. sumatriptan, propranolol, etc.). I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you. Best wishes.