When there is an allergic reaction in the body, a chemical called
histamine, from specialized cells in the body tissues is released.
Histamine causes allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery
eyes, and runny nose. Antihistamines may reduce inflammation,
itching, and swelling by blocking the effects of histamine,
reducing the allergy symptoms.
Review Date: 10/23/2006
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic
Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare
Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
