How to 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").
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Instructions
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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.
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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.
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Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure what medication you need or if you have sensitivities to medicine. Your doctor can determine whether an antihistamine is appropriate to treat your pollen allergies. She may also recommend one that is effective and does not cause significant side effects.
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Make an appointment with your doctor if over-the-counter antihistamines are not working. He may suggest a prescription oral or nasal antihistamine to treat your allergies.
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Use your antihistamines as regularly as recommended. Histamine is released continuously in the body, so regular (rather than sporadic) doses of antihistamine help counter its effects.
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Read the labels on all the medications you are taking, so that you don't "double up" on antihistamines. Many over-the-counter cold and allergy medications contain antihistamines, and combining them could cause sedation or serious side effects.
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Tips & Warnings
Most antihistamines cause some degree of sedation. If you are unable to think clearly or perform tasks, such as driving, while taking your antihistamine, consult a doctor for an alternative with fewer side effects.
Do not consume alcohol when you are on allergy medication, as it can increase the drowsiness caused by antihistamines.
Do not use antihistamines prescribed for friends or family members, as it is not safe to take prescription medications without physician supervision.
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing or have health problems, such as glaucoma, thyroid disease or diabetes. Antihistamines may not be safe for you.
