Antihistamines: When and How to Use for Allergy Relief & More

Antihistamines are medications that block the body's release of histamine. Histamine is released in response to an allergic reaction, trauma to the skin or insect bites.

Things You'll Need

• Antihistamines

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Instructions

• 1

  Opt for antihistamines when dealing with hay fever, nasal allergies and some systemic allergies, as well as itchy rashes, bee stings and insect bites.

• 2

  Take advantage of side effects by using antihistamines for sleep, to combat nausea and motion sickness, and to dry up secretions. But check with your doctor first.

• 3

  Avoid using antihistamines to treat colds and flu. When you have a respiratory infection, your body needs to drain out the germ-ridden phlegm from your nasal passages and lungs. Drying up your mucus membranes with antihistamines makes it more difficult for your body to cough up and sneeze out infectious exudate.

• 4

  Read your cough syrup labels. Many cough remedies contain antihistamines. Avoid the ones that do if you're treating a cold or flu cough. Choose a cough suppressant or a decongestant.