What are the advantages of antihistamines for colds?

Antihistamines for colds can help alleviate sneezing and cold symptoms. However, the advantages of antihistamines for colds are limited because the drug does not cure colds. Antihistamines do not cure all symptoms of colds and can have more side effects than benefits. Some antihistamines, known as second generation antihistamines, do not help with colds at all. When a person has a cold, the body releases histamine in the nose and cavities. Histamine causes the nasal passages to increase and cause itching in the nose. It also changes the consistency of mucus produced by the nose. The mucus is thin and clean and flows from the nostrils.

When one takes an antihistamine for colds, the drug works against histamine. It prevents interaction with histamine cavity and nasal passages, which reduces symptoms. The departure of passages are not irritated, one does not feel itching or the need to sneeze.

There are only a few types of antihistamines for colds. Most antihistamines are designed to treat allergies, not viral infections such as runninga cold of colds. Not everyone who takes the antihistamine for the cold will see any advantage. Most of the time, antihistamines are packed with decongestants and painkillers.

The first generation antihistamines, such as brompheniramin and chlorfeniramine, are usually effective in the treatment of cold symptoms. Most doctors and healthcare professionals do not recommend using the second -generation antihistamines for colds because they are usually ineffective. The second -generation antihistamines include Loratadin, which is located in many allergic drugs.

For some people, the side effects of antihistamines for cold prevail over benefits. A very common side effect of the antihistamines of the first generation is drowsiness. Feeling drowsy or sleepy can be ideal before bedtime, but may be dangerous if the patient is taking the medicine by day and needs to work. Another common side effect of antihistamines is dryness in the mouth andThe eyes, which is unpleasant, but it is not particularly dangerous.

Older adults are exposed to greater risk of side effects than health, young or middle -aged adults. In antihistamines, there is a risk of very serious side effects, such as the tightness of the chest and extreme fatigue. If the patient is taking several drugs that contain antihistamines, an overdose risks. Symptoms of overdose include flushing, fainting and feelings of clumsy.