Insights into the mechanisms of histamine-induced inflammation in the nasal mucosa.

Histamine is a major autacoid released during allergic reactions. Histamine, when administered to the nasal mucosa, causes symptoms that mimic allergic rhinitis, including nasal blockage, sneezing, pruritus and rhinorrhea. This article provides an overview of the contribution of H1, H2 and H3 receptors to histamine-induced symptom generation, in particular focusing on nasal blockage.