Antihistamines aredrugs which treatallergic rhinitis and otherallergies.[1]
Usually people take antihistamines as anover-the-counter drug , with few side effects. It is for relief fromnasal congestion,sneezing, orhives. Thesesymptoms may be caused bypollen, dustmites, orallergy to animals.[1]
Antihistamines are usually for short-term treatment.[1] Chronic allergies increase the risk of health problems which antihistamines might not treat, includingasthma,sinusitis, andrespiratory tract infections near the lungs.[1] Consultation of a medical professional is recommended for those who intend to take antihistamines for longer-term use.[1]
Although people use the word “antihistamine” to describe drugs for treating allergies, doctors and scientists use the term to describe a class of drug that opposes the activity ofhistamine receptors in the body. In this sense of the word, antihistamines are subclassified according to which histamine receptor they act upon.
