Tuesday, April 27, 2010

What is Allergy? How Anti Allergy Medicine Works?

Being one of the people allergic to dust particles I have taken antihistamines for long time. Taking drugs for couple of time is not at all matter. But, taking it for long time definitely needs to know more about those drugs. I don't even call allergy sufferers as Patients because allergy is more of malfunctioning of body immune system rather than a disease. There are no permanent remedies to eradicate allergy forever. All you can do is take anti-allergic medicines whenever allergy attack strikes. It just your body says 'I don't like them and i won't let them allow to stay in body'.

Understanding allergy in simple words

When allergens enter into body the immune system releases histamines to fight with them. As a result of that you get disturb and mediate the fight with the help of Anti-histamine drugs. Your body says 'Ok fine, i am calling off my fighters for now but, that doesn't mean I will allow those foreign bodies next time'.

What causes allergy reaction?

Allergens (non harmful substances) get through body system. Mast cell recognizes them as dangerous foreign bodies. To prevent them entering in body releases neuro-transmitters known as histamines. Histamines increases blood flow at the 'attacked' site by widening blood vessels. Histamines also increase mucous production. The combined effect causes runny nose, sneezing, red eyes and headache.

The effect of widened blood capillaries because of histamines may very from person to person. It may cause headache, breathing problem, low or high heart rate or blood pressure increase. Excess mucous production results in nasal congestion. Skin may develop hives.

Role of AntiHistamines/Anti allergic medicine

Anti histamines drugs releases proteins which gets attached to the receptors of histamines and thereby blocks activation of histamines to perform its activities. This results in relief from allergic reactions.

Types of Antihistamines

There are two basic types of anti allergy drugs; H1 receptors antagonist and H2 receptors antagonist. Read more about anti histamine drugs

Allergy Medicine

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