/oss/taxonomy/term/1574/all en /oss/article/drugs-environment-food-health-you-asked/you-asked-what-histaminosis <p>Mention “histamine” and the word “allergy” pops to mind. Rightly so, because during an allergic reaction certain white blood cells known as mast cells and basophils release an inordinate amount of histamine, a chemical that then travels through the bloodstream and fits into “receptors” in cells that make up our tissues much like a key fits into a lock. And when the “key” fits, it unlocks the typical symptoms such as the watery eyes, runny nose, hives, itching and breathing problems we associate with allergies.</p> Sun, 30 Mar 2014 12:59:05 +0000 Alexandra Pires-Ménard, OSS Intern 2121 at /oss