Bacterial Histamine as a Therapeutic Target for Abdominal Pain in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Literature Review

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and discomfort. This narrative review explores the current understanding of IBS pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment, with a focus on the role of histamine in gastrointestinal disorders. The review summarizes the existing literature from electronic databases and manual searches. Key topics covered include the diagnostic criteria for IBS, mechanisms underlying abdominal pain, role of histamine in gastrointestinal motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and immune system dysregulation, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in IBS management. The narrative synthesis of findings provides insights into the complex interplay between gut microbiota, histamine production, and IBS symptomatology. Overall, this review underscores the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying IBS and histamine-related gastrointestinal disorders, with the ultimate goal of developing tailored therapeutic interventions for individuals affected by these conditions.