How Does Diphenhydramine Treat Allergies?

Diphenhydramine a class of drug used to treat allergic reactions. It is an antihistamine normally taken by patients during allergy flare-ups. Antihistamines compete with antihistamine for cell receptors involved in the process of histamine production. Histamine is produced when the body encounters some kinds of bacterial and viral infections. Unfortunately, histamines sometimes mistook harmless allergens, such as mold spores, dust mites, and some particular food proteins as "invaders". After identifying the foreign substance as a "threat", the body will mount an offensive by releasing antibodies and histamine. The results from this process are far worse than the projected harm by the body from the allergen. An individual will feel a wide variety of symptoms ranging from mild to serious depending on the severity of the reaction.

The main function of diphenhydramine is to prevent further production of histamine, and to block the cell receptors involved in the process of histamine release. This means that the body will stop reacting to the allergen, reducing the external symptoms.

The most common form of diphenhydramine today is Benadryl. This drug is used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal allergic reactions for allergic rhinitis. It can also be used to alleviate the symptoms of chronic urticaria and cold symptoms.