How Do You Use Antihistamines To Treat Pollen Allergies?
When pollen is in the air and triggering your allergy symptoms, you may need an antihistamine. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine chemicals released when your body reacts to an allergen. Histamine can cause inflammation in your nose and throat, itchiness and even trouble breathing. Antihistamines are the most common medicines used to treat allergic rhinitis due to pollen sensitivity (also called “hay fever”). Evaluate your symptoms. If itching is your primary concern, chances are an antihistamine will offer relief. If nasal congestion and sinus headaches are the problem, you might be better off with a decongestant that shrinks sinus passages and allows mucus to drain. Switch antihistamines if the first one doesn’t work. Antihistamines come in many formulas, including diphenhydramine, loratadine and chlorpheniramine (commonly known as Benadryl, Claritin and Chlortrimeton). They are available in oral form, nasal sprays and eye drops. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you’re not
