How Do Antihistamine Medications Work?

Antihistamines are a type of medication that's used to treat allergy sufferers. As the name applies, it works by preventing histamine in the body.

A closer look at histamine

An allergic reaction occurs when your body is exposed to something that it perceives to be a threat. The first line of defense for the body is the release of histamine. This is the substance that causes all the standard allergy symptoms including: inflammation, itchy watery eyes or a rash. In short, it's not the allergens that cause the problems, but the body's reaction to them.

Protect the body from itself

As the name applies antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine. Not only that, but they form a protective shield around the cells that prevent histamine from entering.

Side effects

The most common side effect is drowsiness. 20 years ago, many allergy sufferers would just put up with their symptoms because the medication would put them asleep for most of the day. However in the early 1990s, two new antihistamines were introduced that did not cause drowsiness when used in the recommended dosage (Allegra, Claritin). At first both of these drugs we expensive and required a prescription. However, that's no longer the case. Both can be purchased over-the-counter at a reasonable price.

Conclusion

While it can be frustrating that you're body chooses to fight common substances like pollen or pet dander as a dangerous substance. It's good to know that medications are available that can help without any negative side effects.

For more information on how to fight your allergies, please visit our home page: Easy Allergy Relief. We're a website that dedicate to helping allergy sufferers find safe effective relief today