The use of low-dose histamine therapy in otolaryngology.

Low-dose histamine therapy has been prescribed by otolaryngologists primarily to treat Bell's palsy, vestibular disorders, vascular headache, Ménière's attacks, and urticaria vasculitis. The scientific explanations for the usefulness of this once-empiric treatment are becoming more apparent. Two methods of establishing the appropriate dosages have emerged: the empiric, optimum-dosage approach and the objective, endpoint-titration approach. In this article, the author describes and recommends the latter approach. The author also reports on a 100-patient retrospective clinical study that revealed that the objective, endpoint-titration approach was effective in treating 80% of patients. In light of such success and the ease and economy of this treatment, low-dose histamine therapy appears to be a valuable clinical tool.