The body produces histamines in response to allergens, such as pollen, animal dander or dust mites. Histamines cause the tissue in your nose to swell (making it stuffy), your nose and eyes to run, and your eyes to itch. Sometimes you may also get an itchy rash on your skin, called hives.
Antihistamines are the first treatment choice to combat these symptoms. They reduce or block histamines. Older or first generation antihistamines, including Benadryl, tend to cause more side effects, particularly drowsiness.
Newer-generation antihistamines such as Allegra, Clarinex, and Zyrtec have fewer side effects, so they may be a better choice. I use Zyrtec daily. It is effective and does not cause drowsiness.
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Hello Erin,
The body produces histamines in response to allergens, such as pollen, animal dander or dust mites. Histamines cause the tissue in your nose to swell (making it stuffy), your nose and eyes to run, and your eyes to itch. Sometimes you may also get an itchy rash on your skin, called hives.
Antihistamines are the first treatment choice to combat these symptoms. They reduce or block histamines. Older or first generation antihistamines, including Benadryl, tend to cause more side effects, particularly drowsiness.
Newer-generation antihistamines such as Allegra, Clarinex, and Zyrtec have fewer side effects, so they may be a better choice. I use Zyrtec daily. It is effective and does not cause drowsiness.
Hope this helps,
July 16, 2014 - 1:26pmMaryann
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