Do you also get a series of sneezes when you wake up in the morning? Or do you start scratching your eyes and nose after touching dust or going near a cat, and a watery liquid comes out of your nose? Sometimes you may even get red and itchy all over your body. These are the symptoms of an allergy that we all know. At times like this, the first aid for many people is a type of medicine called antihistamines . So let's talk about this, exactly, simply.
What are antihistamines?
Simply put, when something we are allergic to, that is, an allergen (for example, dust, pollen, animal dander), enters our body, our body's immune system produces a chemical called histamine in response.
Think of this histamine as a little warning signal. This signal is what causes the tissues in our nose to swell and become blocked, watery fluid to flow from our nose and eyes, itching around the eyes, nose, and mouth, and sometimes hives on the skin.
So, what antihistamines do is reduce the action of histamine , or even completely block it. When histamine is blocked, those annoying allergy symptoms are gradually controlled.
How long does it take to see results after taking the medicine?
Most of us take medicine after an allergy attack. When our nose is blocked and our eyes are watering, we think of the medicine cabinet. It usually takes about 30 minutes for an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antihistamine to start working. It takes an hour or two for the maximum effect to be achieved.
But doctors say there's a better way. That is, using medication before allergy symptoms appear.
Imagine that you have a dry, dusty season every year, and your allergies get worse. So, you know when your allergies are coming. It's a good idea to start taking an antihistamine every day two to four weeks before that season starts. Because once your allergy symptoms start, you may need stronger medications to control them. So, talk to your doctor and decide on this.
Are these effective for all allergic symptoms?
Not really. While antihistamines can help control sneezing, itching, and runny nose, they don't do as much good for nasal congestion.
- For nasal congestion: If you have a very stuffy nose, your doctor may prescribe a nasal spray that contains a steroid.
- To reduce congestion: You can also take decongestants for a few days to reduce swelling in the nose. However, it is not recommended to use these continuously, as they can cause side effects such as increased blood pressure.
- For the eyes: There are different types of eye drops for itchy eyes and watery eyes.
What types of antihistamines are there?
These medications come in many forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays, and eye drops. They can be divided into two main categories. This division is very important, because it can have a big impact on your day.
| Type | Main feature | Examples (Generic/Brand Name) |
|---|---|---|
| First-Generation | Sedating. Taking these makes you very sleepy. |
|
| Second-Generation | Very little/no drowsiness (Non-Sedating). Best for daytime use. |
Let's also be aware of the side effects.
Like any medication, antihistamines can have minor side effects. Older (first-generation) medications in particular tend to have more side effects.
These are some of the common side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth and throat
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Restlessness or moodiness in some children
- Trouble peeing
Most importantly: If you take an antihistamine that causes drowsiness, never drive or operate machinery . It is best to take these at night before going to bed. Even if you are taking a newer (second-generation) medication, be careful with it for the first few days until you know how it affects you.
Things to keep in mind when taking this medicine
Think about these things before using an antihistamine.
1. Drinking alcohol: Never drink alcohol while taking antihistamines. The combination of the two can cause excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and dangerous side effects.
2. Other medical conditions: If you have conditions such as an enlarged prostate, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, liver or kidney disease, be sure to talk to your doctor before using this medication.
3. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take any antihistamine without consulting your doctor. Although types like Cetirizine and Loratadine are generally considered safe, it is essential to seek medical advice.
4. Young children: First-generation antihistamines (such as Piriton) are not recommended for children under 2 years of age. If giving to a child between 2 and 6 years of age, seek the advice of a pediatrician.
Take-Home Message
- An antihistamine is a type of medication that blocks a chemical called histamine that causes allergic symptoms.
- These are very effective for things like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
- There are two main types: those that cause drowsiness (first generation) and those that do not cause drowsiness (second generation). It is best to choose the type that does not cause drowsiness during the day.
- If you know when your allergy season is coming, you can get great relief by using medication a few weeks before that time.
- Always consult your doctor before using any antihistamine, especially if you have other medical conditions, are pregnant, or are nursing a child.
- Avoid alcohol completely when taking antihistamines.
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