Do you often get allergies? Let's talk about these (Antihistamines) in simple terms!

Do you also sneeze when you wake up in the morning? Or do you suddenly start itching and turn red like a rash? Sometimes you eat something or take some medicine and itchy all over your body, right? For things like this, we often call it (Antihistamines), a medicine that doctors give us or that we buy from a pharmacy. So, after hearing this name, many people may not have much idea about what it is exactly, how it works, and what it is used for. So today, let's learn about these (Antihistamines), as if we were talking to a friend.

What is histamine? Why do we get allergies?

Simply put, when something that our body doesn't like, that is, causes an allergy – we call this an 'allergen', for example, dust, pollen, certain foods, medicines, insect venom – enters, some cells in our immune system, especially those called 'mast cells', start to fight against this invader. In this fight, these cells release a chemical called 'histamine'. Think of it like when an enemy army comes, our bodies get nervous and send out signals to warn everyone.

It is when this chemical called histamine binds to 'receptors' in various parts of our body that we begin to experience the symptoms of that allergy.

• When it binds to receptors in the nose , it causes nasal discharge, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
• When it binds to receptors in the skin , the skin becomes red, itchy, and swollen – we also call this 'urticaria' or hives.
• When the eyes are affected, they become red, itchy, and teary.
• When the respiratory tract is affected, things like breathing difficulties and coughing can occur.

So you probably understand that one of the main culprits for these allergy symptoms is histamine.

So how do these medicines (Antihistamines) work?

Antihistamines do a very simple thing. What these drugs do is stop the chemical histamine we talked about earlier from binding to the specific receptors in our body's cells. To be precise, it's like this medicine is sitting on the chair that histamine is trying to sit on, preventing it from doing so. Then histamine can't have its effect.

By blocking the action of histamine in this way, we are able to control the symptoms caused by allergies to a great extent - sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and body aches.

That means that antihistamines are medications that control the symptoms of allergies, rather than a drug that 'cures' allergies.

Are there different types of antihistamines? What are the differences?

Yes, there are two main types of antihistamines. We call them first-generation and second-generation antihistamines.

Older generation (Antihistamines) - more drowsiness

These are the type of antihistamines that have been around for a long time. For example, Chlorpheniramine – the drug that many of you know as 'Piriton' – belongs to this group of drugs, as do Diphenhydramine and Promethazine.

Although these are great for reducing allergy symptoms, one of the main side effects of these medications is that they make you drowsy . Remember when you used to take some of the allergy pills and you would just sleep all day? That's how it is. The reason for this is because these medications also affect our brains.

Also, things like dry mouth, dry eyes, and sometimes constipation can also come from these old types of medications.

New generation (Antihistamines) - less drowsiness

These are the most commonly used types of antihistamines today. For example, drugs like Loratadine, Cetirizine, Fexofenadine, and Desloratadine fall into this category.

These medications have been developed to reduce the drowsiness that was present in the older medications. They have a much lower effect on the brain. Therefore, when taking these, drowsiness occurs much less often , and in some cases, it does not occur at all. Therefore, these are more suitable for those who work during the day and for children who study.

However, some people may experience a slight drowsiness from medications like Cetirizine. This varies from person to person.

What are antihistamines used for?

Antihistamines are a type of medication used to treat various types of allergies and related conditions.

• Allergic Rhinitis: Also known as 'Hay Fever', it is a condition that causes runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and a scratchy throat. This can be caused by things like dust and pollen.
• Urticaria: A rash that suddenly appears on the body and causes red, swollen, and intensely itchy welts. These can be caused by food, medication, or other factors.
• Insect Bites and Stings: Relieve itching and swelling caused by bites and stings from insects such as mosquitoes, wasps, and wasps.
• Angioedema: Sometimes a condition where areas around the eyes, lips, and tongue suddenly swell. Antihistamines are also used for this.
• Common Cold: Although it is sometimes used to reduce nasal discharge when you have a cold, it does not cure the cold, it only controls the symptoms.
• Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema: It is also used for itchy skin conditions, especially to help reduce itching.
• Motion Sickness: Vomiting while riding in a vehicle (e.g., older medications such as Dimenhydrinate).
• Insomnia: Although some older antihistamines are used as a short-term sleep aid due to their sedating properties, they are not a suitable treatment for long-term insomnia.

Can these medications cause side effects?

Like any medication, antihistamines can cause side effects in some people, but most of the time these are not serious.

• Drowsiness: Especially from older generation medications.
• Dry mouth, nose, and throat.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Stomach discomfort: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Blurred vision (rare).
• Difficulty urinating: This can affect older men, especially those with prostate problems.

Most of the time, these side effects will subside within a few days. However, if you experience them severely or if they persist, you should definitely talk to a doctor .

What are the things we should be especially careful about when using antihistamines?

Although antihistamines are largely safe medications, there are a few things we need to be careful about when using them.

Driving and work requiring attention

If you are taking an antihistamine that makes you drowsy, you should be very careful when doing tasks that require a lot of attention, such as driving, working at heights, or operating machinery . Sometimes it is best to avoid doing these types of work. Although newer types of medications may reduce drowsiness, it is best to be careful until you know how they affect you.

Pregnant and lactating mothers

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should definitely ask your doctor before taking antihistamines. Some antihistamines are not suitable for this period. Only use them if prescribed by a doctor, and only as directed.

Other diseases and medications

If you have other medical conditions (e.g. asthma, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, epilepsy, liver or kidney disease), or if you are taking other medications (especially psychiatric medications, other sleep medications, some antifungals, antibiotics), you should definitely inform your doctor before taking (Antihistamines) because some medications may interact with (Antihistamines).

When given to small children

You need to be very careful when giving antihistamines to young children. It is especially not good to give these medicines to babies under 2 years of age without the advice of a doctor. You should give them exactly the dose prescribed by a doctor. Giving too much can be dangerous . Sometimes, instead of feeling sleepy, young children can even become agitated.

Taking with alcohol

When taking antihistamines, especially those that cause drowsiness, you should avoid consuming alcohol , as alcohol can increase the drowsiness and side effects of these medications.

When do you need to see a doctor?

Usually, simple allergies can be relieved with antihistamines. However, it is best to see a doctor in cases like these:

• If you take antihistamines but your allergy symptoms do not subside, or if they worsen.
• If you have difficulty breathing, feel like your chest is constricting, your tongue or throat swells to the point where you can't speak, your body turns blue, you feel dizzy or faint. These could be signs of a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. In such cases, you should go to the hospital immediately.
• If you have frequent allergies, find the exact cause and seek treatment.
• If the side effects from antihistamines are severe or if you find them difficult to tolerate.
• If you are unsure about which antihistamine is right for you and how long you should take it.

So, the final take-home message:

Okay, so we talked a lot about (Antihistamines) today, right?

Simply put, antihistamines are a type of medication that can be used safely in most cases to help control allergy symptoms.

But also remember these things:

• There are two types of antihistamines: the older, more sedating type and the newer, less sedating type. Choose the one that best suits your needs and activities.
• This medicine controls the symptoms of allergies, but does not completely cure the allergy .
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have other medical conditions, or are taking other medications , be sure to seek medical advice .
• Be especially careful about the dosage when giving it to small children.
• If you take a type that makes you drowsy, be careful when doing tasks that require attention .
• No matter what medication you use, whether you buy it from a pharmacy, the safest and most effective way is to consult a doctor and use it according to instructions.

So, I hope you've got answers to many of your questions about antihistamines today. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist. Stay healthy!

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