What type of medication is typically used to alleviate allergy symptoms?

Antihistamines are specifically designed to counteract the effects of histamines, which are chemicals released in the body during an allergic reaction. When a person is exposed to allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods, histamines can cause symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and hives. Antihistamines block the receptors that histamines bind to, thereby providing relief from these uncomfortable symptoms.

In contrast, pain relievers primarily target pain and do not address the underlying causes of allergic reactions. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and do not provide any benefit for allergies, as they do not affect histamine response. Corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation associated with chronic allergic conditions, but they are not the first line of treatment for immediate relief of allergy symptoms. Hence, antihistamines are recognized as the most effective and common choice for alleviating allergy symptoms.