Anti-allergic medications are drugs that are used to treat the symptoms of allergies. Allergies are a common problem, affecting millions of people around the world. They occur when the body's immune system overreacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, animal dander, or certain foods, and releases chemicals such as histamine. This release of chemicals causes symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. There are several types of anti-allergic medications available that work in different ways to relieve these symptoms. These medications can be divided into several categories, including antihistamines, corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, and mast cell stabilizers. Antihistamines are the most commonly used type of anti-allergic medication. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical that is released during an allergic reaction. This helps to reduce symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Antihistamines can be taken orally or applied topically. There are two types of antihistamines: first-generation and second-generation. First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine, have been around for decades and can cause drowsiness and other side effects. Second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine and cetirizine, are newer drugs that are less likely to cause drowsiness.
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