What is a common treatment for hay fever?

Antihistamines are a common treatment for hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. This condition is essentially an allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen, dust, or pet dander, which leads to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and sometimes sinus congestion. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance released during an allergic reaction that contributes to these symptoms. By inhibiting histamine, antihistamines can effectively relieve the discomfort associated with hay fever.

Other treatments exist, but they target hay fever symptoms differently and are not considered first-line treatments. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, while decongestants primarily relieve nasal congestion rather than the broader range of allergic symptoms. Inhalers are typically used for respiratory conditions like asthma and are not aimed at treating hay fever specifically.