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dee!! i hope you get everthing sorted out soon and get back on the road to recovery...god theres nothing worse than acid and heartburn...zantac is pretty good for that too...but it will be better to get the scope done and then know for sure whats the real problem is...
good luck...
anjy
Finally
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faithberry
- Adélie Penguin
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Dee,
Tex gave a very good explanation. To clarify my suggestions, I might add that many people are able to control their hives taking the H1 and H2 antihistamines; Gastrcrom is not necessarily required, but is used in some cases.
H1 antihistamines are the one's that are usually used for classic allergy type symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, rashes, and so on. These are the ones used for the skin symptoms of hives. They include Zyrtec, Allegra, Xyzall, Claritin and so on. Those are the new generation antihistamines that don't cause drowsiness like the first generation ones, which include Benadryl and Atarax.
H2 antihistamines reduce stomach acid. Histamine is one of the chemicals that stimulate the production of gastric acid, and you may have too much histamine and too much gastric acid. H2 antihistamines include Zantac, Pepcid, and a few others. Skin also contains some H2 receptors.
Generally, you would need to take both of these types of histamines for hives. But if the Zantac works on its own, that's great. See what your GI doctor says. Often, people have to take 2-3 times the normal dose to control their hives if they have a chronic case and they take them daily.
It may be that you are having an acute case of hives (6 weeks or less) and it may not be a problem for you again in the future. Many people have an occasional episode of hives. However, if it becomes a chronic problem at some point you may want to visit the website of the International Chronic Urticaria Society, which contains very useful information. 'Urticaria' is the technical word for hives, also called nettle rash. And you might want to see a dermatologist, unless your GI doctor can get this under control for you.
Mast cells normally exist in the skin and in the intestinal tract (among a few other places). They are a normal part of the immune system and we need them for that purpose. They are good, but for some people they behave badly! I've been told by an immunologist that they can also migrate to the stomach, but my GI doctor does not agree with that. Mast cells are involved in the skin reaction in hives because they become activated, but the cause is not always clearly understood. Sometimes it's autoimmune; sometimes idiopathic, etc. Having increased mast cells in the small or large intestines is a different story, but because you end up release too much histamine and other chemical mediators from the mast cells, these can go into your blood stream and cause systemic reactions like hives, among others.
I'm not a scientist or a doctor, so I can't claim to have a perfect or accurate understanding by any means. See what your doctor says.
Wishing you a perfect procedure, that gives you the information you need about your problems.
Tex gave a very good explanation. To clarify my suggestions, I might add that many people are able to control their hives taking the H1 and H2 antihistamines; Gastrcrom is not necessarily required, but is used in some cases.
H1 antihistamines are the one's that are usually used for classic allergy type symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, rashes, and so on. These are the ones used for the skin symptoms of hives. They include Zyrtec, Allegra, Xyzall, Claritin and so on. Those are the new generation antihistamines that don't cause drowsiness like the first generation ones, which include Benadryl and Atarax.
H2 antihistamines reduce stomach acid. Histamine is one of the chemicals that stimulate the production of gastric acid, and you may have too much histamine and too much gastric acid. H2 antihistamines include Zantac, Pepcid, and a few others. Skin also contains some H2 receptors.
Generally, you would need to take both of these types of histamines for hives. But if the Zantac works on its own, that's great. See what your GI doctor says. Often, people have to take 2-3 times the normal dose to control their hives if they have a chronic case and they take them daily.
It may be that you are having an acute case of hives (6 weeks or less) and it may not be a problem for you again in the future. Many people have an occasional episode of hives. However, if it becomes a chronic problem at some point you may want to visit the website of the International Chronic Urticaria Society, which contains very useful information. 'Urticaria' is the technical word for hives, also called nettle rash. And you might want to see a dermatologist, unless your GI doctor can get this under control for you.
Mast cells normally exist in the skin and in the intestinal tract (among a few other places). They are a normal part of the immune system and we need them for that purpose. They are good, but for some people they behave badly! I've been told by an immunologist that they can also migrate to the stomach, but my GI doctor does not agree with that. Mast cells are involved in the skin reaction in hives because they become activated, but the cause is not always clearly understood. Sometimes it's autoimmune; sometimes idiopathic, etc. Having increased mast cells in the small or large intestines is a different story, but because you end up release too much histamine and other chemical mediators from the mast cells, these can go into your blood stream and cause systemic reactions like hives, among others.
I'm not a scientist or a doctor, so I can't claim to have a perfect or accurate understanding by any means. See what your doctor says.
Wishing you a perfect procedure, that gives you the information you need about your problems.
Faith
LC (in remission)
LC (in remission)
Dee,
One other consideration:
The histamine-2 blockers decrease the body’s ability to excrete caffeine. Therefore, anyone who consumes a lot of caffeine, while taking one of the H2 blockers, may experience tremors, insomnia, or even heart palpitations. Also, cimetidine, (Tagamet), may increase the likelihood of alcohol intoxication, if any alcohol is consumed while taking the med. You may want to discuss the side effects of the various H2 blockers with your doc, or your pharmacist, if it appears that you may start using one of these products. Famotidine, (Pepcid), and nizatidine, (Axid), are a couple of other H2 blockers, that you might want to consider.
Love,
Tex
One other consideration:
The histamine-2 blockers decrease the body’s ability to excrete caffeine. Therefore, anyone who consumes a lot of caffeine, while taking one of the H2 blockers, may experience tremors, insomnia, or even heart palpitations. Also, cimetidine, (Tagamet), may increase the likelihood of alcohol intoxication, if any alcohol is consumed while taking the med. You may want to discuss the side effects of the various H2 blockers with your doc, or your pharmacist, if it appears that you may start using one of these products. Famotidine, (Pepcid), and nizatidine, (Axid), are a couple of other H2 blockers, that you might want to consider.
Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
When I intially started with the what I described as a golfball stuck in my upper abdomen, at the very same time I broke out in the hives. The upper abdomen discomfort started 3-4 hours after I ate my dinner.
Continued having both symptoms.
Tried the Betaine HCI but it didn't help.
At present, since Thursday, I take one OTC Zantac before dinner, no discomfort or hives.
This will be something that I throw at my GI before I have my endoscopy done.
I may have to postpone the procedure until I get over this upper respiratory.
Dee~~~~
Continued having both symptoms.
Tried the Betaine HCI but it didn't help.
At present, since Thursday, I take one OTC Zantac before dinner, no discomfort or hives.
This will be something that I throw at my GI before I have my endoscopy done.
I may have to postpone the procedure until I get over this upper respiratory.
Dee~~~~
"What the heart gives away is never gone ... It is kept in the hearts of others."
Hi Dee,
I agree with you, the procedure might be pretty unpleasant with a virus going on, since your breathing is surely already significantly compromised, due to the virus. Actually, if the Zantac does the job that well, why do the "upper" procedure at all? Wasn't the upper chest discomfort, and the hives, the main reasons for scheduling the procedure in the first place, (unless you're just curious to see if they can actually find an increased presence of mast cells, or whatever)? Either Pepsid, Axid, Tagamet, or Zantac, should do the job, though as Faith has pointed out, Zantac has been known to trigger MC for some people.
Love,
Tex
I agree with you, the procedure might be pretty unpleasant with a virus going on, since your breathing is surely already significantly compromised, due to the virus. Actually, if the Zantac does the job that well, why do the "upper" procedure at all? Wasn't the upper chest discomfort, and the hives, the main reasons for scheduling the procedure in the first place, (unless you're just curious to see if they can actually find an increased presence of mast cells, or whatever)? Either Pepsid, Axid, Tagamet, or Zantac, should do the job, though as Faith has pointed out, Zantac has been known to trigger MC for some people.
Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Okkkkkk!
I do have to question, also, about having the endoscopy at all.
Come to think of it, after reading thru these posts, that my PCP put me on Allegra (H1), which did nothing for the hives, and then the Medrol pack, which did nothing.
Wayne, do you remember?? That was back in December.
Dee~
I do have to question, also, about having the endoscopy at all.
Come to think of it, after reading thru these posts, that my PCP put me on Allegra (H1), which did nothing for the hives, and then the Medrol pack, which did nothing.
Wayne, do you remember?? That was back in December.
Dee~
"What the heart gives away is never gone ... It is kept in the hearts of others."
Dee,
I didn't remember a lot of the details, so I went back and read those threads again. In one, (back in December), you said:
In one of the posts, a few hours after eating dinner, (which included a glass of chocolate hempmilk, and a little later you ate a Lara Bar), you noticed your lip swelling, and we discussed the possibility of nuts being an issue.
From one of the links that Faith posted:
http://www.urticaria.thunderworksinc.co ... tamine.htm
Love,
Tex
P S I hope the virus is beginning to let up, and you're feeling better by now.
I didn't remember a lot of the details, so I went back and read those threads again. In one, (back in December), you said:
So apparently you did try the Allegra, but I don't remember if you ever told us how it worked, (until now). According to those threads, you thought the Medrol was helping after the first dose, but then after that, it didn't seem to help.Dee wrote:I haven't taken any of the Allegra, being hesitant to take another darn med..
I might take one tonight, just to see if I wake up with them tomorrow.
In one of the posts, a few hours after eating dinner, (which included a glass of chocolate hempmilk, and a little later you ate a Lara Bar), you noticed your lip swelling, and we discussed the possibility of nuts being an issue.
From one of the links that Faith posted:
You also had some cinnamon and Earth Balance Butter, (is that margarine?), because among many things, cinnamon and margarine also contain a lot of histamines. It sure looks as though histamines could be causing the problem.The foods most commonly reported to induce urticaria are shellfish, fish, egg, nuts, chocolate, berries, tomatoes, cheese, milk, and wheat.
http://www.urticaria.thunderworksinc.co ... tamine.htm
Love,
Tex
P S I hope the virus is beginning to let up, and you're feeling better by now.
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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faithberry
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 7:40 am
Still just taking the OTC Zantac once a day, of which I may switch to Pepcid, and no hives or upper abdominal discomfort.
Nurse practitioner last week kept implying that I just had too much acid and that my hives were from a food allergy.
How do they check for the histamine levels if I seem to have a high count?
And how long does one have to stay on the H2 antihistamine????
Leave it to me to be the odd ball with yet another mystery arising as far as the histamines.
Can you lead me to a reference as far as the Zantac & MC??????
I just know that if I go for the scheduled endoscopy and approach the issue about the histamines, I'll just get another off look and a shake of my GI's head, meaning I don't know what I'm talking about.
Thank You
Dee~~``
Nurse practitioner last week kept implying that I just had too much acid and that my hives were from a food allergy.
How do they check for the histamine levels if I seem to have a high count?
And how long does one have to stay on the H2 antihistamine????
Leave it to me to be the odd ball with yet another mystery arising as far as the histamines.
Can you lead me to a reference as far as the Zantac & MC??????
I just know that if I go for the scheduled endoscopy and approach the issue about the histamines, I'll just get another off look and a shake of my GI's head, meaning I don't know what I'm talking about.
Thank You
Dee~~``
"What the heart gives away is never gone ... It is kept in the hearts of others."
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faithberry
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 7:40 am
Dee,
This is from the Mayo Clinic article called Collagenous, Lymphocytic Colitis. I don't think your doctor will argue with the Mayo Clinic. However, it doesn't mean everyone with MC will have a problem with it. It's just a matter of whether you want to take the chance.
You're right, doctors are clueless about histamine intolerance, it's not a fully proven disorder. You will get the look! But I think the link between too much histamine and urticaria (hives) is more recognized. You can just innocently ask your doctor if it has anything to do with histamine! You can test elevated histamine in 2 ways that I know of: a blood test for histamine and through a 24 hour urine histamine-metabolite test. However, it may only be elevated when you have hives, so it might be hard to catch.
In any case, you might just want to be cautious with high histamine foods or the foods you find trigger your hives in particular. Your problem may not be the histamine foods. It may just be a few foods. Here's the link to the low histamine diet on the urticaria site.
http://www.urticaria.thunderworksinc.co ... tamine.htm
It allows most nuts which I find strange as I've seem many listed as high in histamine in other places. Some exceptions are sunflower seeds, almonds, pistachios, and pine nuts, if I recall correctly. But almonds are high salicylates. And Lara Bars have dates, which are also high histamine if I remember correctly. And possibly other things like cherries, also high!
If the Zantac works on it's own, that's great. The fewer drugs, the better!
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/collag ... %2DfactorsOther medications that are associated with an increased risk of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis include the proton pump inhibitor called lansoprazole (Prevacid), the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor called sertraline (Zoloft), the anti-platelet medication called ticlopidine (Ticlid), the H-2-receptor blocker called ranitidine (Zantac), and the type 2 diabetes medication called acarbose (Precose).
This is from the Mayo Clinic article called Collagenous, Lymphocytic Colitis. I don't think your doctor will argue with the Mayo Clinic. However, it doesn't mean everyone with MC will have a problem with it. It's just a matter of whether you want to take the chance.
You're right, doctors are clueless about histamine intolerance, it's not a fully proven disorder. You will get the look! But I think the link between too much histamine and urticaria (hives) is more recognized. You can just innocently ask your doctor if it has anything to do with histamine! You can test elevated histamine in 2 ways that I know of: a blood test for histamine and through a 24 hour urine histamine-metabolite test. However, it may only be elevated when you have hives, so it might be hard to catch.
In any case, you might just want to be cautious with high histamine foods or the foods you find trigger your hives in particular. Your problem may not be the histamine foods. It may just be a few foods. Here's the link to the low histamine diet on the urticaria site.
http://www.urticaria.thunderworksinc.co ... tamine.htm
It allows most nuts which I find strange as I've seem many listed as high in histamine in other places. Some exceptions are sunflower seeds, almonds, pistachios, and pine nuts, if I recall correctly. But almonds are high salicylates. And Lara Bars have dates, which are also high histamine if I remember correctly. And possibly other things like cherries, also high!
If the Zantac works on it's own, that's great. The fewer drugs, the better!
Faith
LC (in remission)
LC (in remission)
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faithberry
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 7:40 am