Diagnosing Histamine Intolerance

To date there is no clear definition of Histamine Intolerance. The diagnosis is, therefore, correspondingly difficult.

Moreover, the symptoms are unspecific. Many are similar to those of a food allergy, but there are also  similarities to the signs of Fructose Malabsorption, Lactose Intolerance and, to a certain extent, to the symptoms of Celiac Disease.

Detailed history and symptom diary

The basis of the diagnosis is a comprehensive talk with a doctor about the way of life, nutritional habits and symptoms. A symptom diary can be useful - particularly if the individual already suspects which foods cause their symptoms. The medication regularly takes also plays a role. Some medicines cause the body to release its own histamine.

Since the symptoms are unspecific, other diagnoses should be considered along with Histamine Intolerance. Allergies and mastocytosis, as well as other food intolerances should be ruled out.

If, after other causes have been ruled out, the suspicion of a Histamine Intolerance still exists, the next step is an elimination diet followed by a provocation test.

Diagnostic elimination diet

For two to four weeks, the individual should consume as little histamine as possible and complete a symptom diary. If the symptoms improve during this time, this is evidence of Histamine Intolerance.

Diagnostic provocation test

The diagnosis can be confirmed by means of a final provocation test. At best, this is placebo controlled and double blind, meaning neither individual nor tester know when the individual actually receives the histamine and when a placebo. Due to the large expenditures however, a different way is usually chosen: the individual consumes in smaller amounts histamine rich food. If they detect the known symptoms from a certain histamine load, this is considered to be evidence of the histamine intolerance. Such a provocation should take place under medical supervision, as the risk of an anaphylactic shock cannot be excluded.

Other diagnostic procedures for establishing a Histamine Intolerance

There are tests with the help of which the activity of the enzyme DAO can be determined. These tests are only conditionally conclusive.

Please see also:

What is Histamine Intolerance?

Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance

Therapy for Histamine Intolerance