Antihistamines for Allergy Relief
Antihistamines FAQ
What does antihistamine mean?
An antihistamine is a prescription or over-the-counter medication that blocks some of what histamine does. “Anti” means against, so antihistamines are medicines that work against or block histamine. How are antihistamines classified? Antihistamines are divided into two major subtypes.
What are antihistamines used for?
Antihistamines are medicines often used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings. They're also sometimes used to prevent motion sickness, to treat feeling sick (nausea) or being sick ( vomiting ), and as a short-term treatment for insomnia.
What are the two largest classes of antihistamines?
The two largest classes of antihistamines are H 1 -antihistamines and H 2 -antihistamines . H 1 -antihistamines work by binding to histamine H 1 receptors in mast cells, smooth muscle, and endothelium in the body as well as in the tuberomammillary nucleus in the brain.
How do Antihistamines work?
Antihistamines block the effects of a substance called histamine in your body. Histamine is normally released when your body detects something harmful, such as an infection. It causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, which helps protect the body.
How do antihistamines affect the body?
Once histamines bind to these receptors, they trigger several typical allergic reactions, such as expanding the blood vessels and causing the smooth muscle tissues to contract. Antihistamines refer to a type of medication that treats allergy symptoms, motion sickness, and some cold and flu symptoms.
Are antihistamines effective?
For example: In general, antihistamines are probably roughly equally effective in reducing the symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and hives (urticaria). However, non-sedating antihistamines tend to be used more commonly as they cause less drowsiness.
Can antihistamines cause allergic reactions?
The histamine causes an allergic reaction with unpleasant symptoms including itchy, watering eyes, a running or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes. Antihistamines help stop this happening if you take them before you come into contact with the substance you're allergic to.
Antihistamines References
If you want to know more about Antihistamines, consider exploring links below:
What Is Antihistamines
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antihistamines/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21223-antihistamines
- https://patient.info/allergies-blood-immune/allergies/antihistamines
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/antihistamines
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antihistamine
- https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/allergy-immune-system/antihistamines
- https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/antihistamines.html
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/antihistamines-83078
Antihistamines Information
Explore Related Topics
How Do Seasonal Allergies Interact with Asthma?
A discussion on the interplay between seasonal allergies and asthma, and strategies for managing both simultaneously.
Asthma Emergency Kit Checklist: What’s on Yours?
Share your asthma emergency kit checklist and compare notes with others to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Does Seasonal Allergy Affect Your Preference for Indoor or Outdoor Exercise?
For asthma patients with seasonal allergies, does this influence your choice between indoor and outdoor exercise? Let’s discuss.
Seasonal Changes and Asthma Flare-Ups in Children: How to Prepare?
Explore how seasonal changes can impact asthma in children and share preparation and management strategies to mitigate these effects.
Link Between Adequate Cool-Down and Reduced Asthma Medication Use
Discussing how an effective cool-down routine can potentially reduce the reliance on asthma medication for some individuals.
Dark Chocolate: A Sweet Remedy for Asthma?
Discussing whether the antioxidant properties of dark chocolate can offer relief to asthma sufferers without the guilt.
Mediterranean Diet’s Role in Reducing Asthma Severity in Children
Focus on how the Mediterranean diet could play a role in managing or reducing asthma severity in children. Parents and guardians, share your stories and insights.
The Great Outdoors: Pollen and Asthma, How Do You Manage?
As seasons change, so does pollen count. Discuss how pollen affects your asthma and share how you keep symptoms at bay.
Are Food Preservatives Making Your Asthma Worse?
Unveil the role food additives and preservatives might play in aggravating asthma symptoms, seeking feedback on avoidance strategies and alternatives.
Are Herbal Remedies Viable in Asthma Management?
Explore the effectiveness and safety of using herbal remedies for asthma management amidst conventional treatments.
Berries for Breathing Better: Myth or Reality?
Delving into whether berries, known for their high antioxidant content, can play a role in managing asthma and improving respiratory health.
Health Apps vs Traditional Asthma Management: Which Wins?
Compare and contrast traditional asthma management methods with modern health app solutions to see which comes out on top.
What's in Your Emergency Asthma Kit?
Exploring the essentials everyone with asthma should have in their emergency kit. What items do you find indispensable?