What condition can result from an excess of histamine?

An excess of histamine can lead to gastritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach lining. Histamine plays a significant role in the digestive process, particularly in stimulating the secretion of gastric acid. When histamine levels are elevated, there can be an overproduction of gastric acid, which can irritate or damage the stomach lining, leading to inflammation and gastritis. This condition often manifests with symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and indigestion.

While conditions like ulcers and reflux can also be influenced by histamine levels, they are not directly linked to an excess of histamine in the same way that gastritis is. Ulcers are typically caused by factors such as the bacterium H. pylori or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) can arise from a variety of issues, including lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction and not solely due to histamine excess. Constipation, on the other hand, is primarily related to bowel motility and not directly influenced by histamine levels. Thus, gastritis is the most relevant condition associated with an excess of histamine.