What is a common treatment for hay fever?

Antihistamines are commonly used to treat hay fever, which is an allergic reaction characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and nasal congestion. The way antihistamines work is by blocking histamine receptors in the body. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic response that contribute to the symptoms associated with hay fever. By inhibiting this action, antihistamines can effectively alleviate the discomfort experienced during allergy season.

Decongestants, while they can relieve nasal congestion associated with colds and other conditions, are not specifically targeted at the allergic response caused by hay fever. They are more beneficial for temporary relief from congestion rather than addressing all symptoms of hay fever.

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and do not have any effect on allergic reactions like hay fever. They would not be appropriate in this context since hay fever is not caused by bacteria.

Inhalers are typically used for respiratory conditions such as asthma and are not a first-line treatment for hay fever. They may help in cases where hay fever aggravates asthma symptoms, but they do not specifically target hay fever symptoms themselves.

Understanding the role of antihistamines helps clarify their importance in managing allergic conditions such as hay fever effectively.