Final answer:
An antihistamine is used to treat allergies by reducing or eliminating the effects of histamines, which are released by the immune system in response to an allergen. Antihistamines work by binding to histamine receptors in the body and preventing histamines from causing allergy symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, an antihistamine is used to treat allergies.
Antihistamines are drugs that reduce or eliminate the effects of histamines, which are chemicals released by the immune system in response to an allergen. Histamines cause allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. Antihistamines work by binding to histamine receptors in the body and preventing the histamines from causing these symptoms.
For example, H₁-antihistamines target histamine receptors in the nose to alleviate allergic reactions in the nasal passages. H₂-antihistamines, on the other hand, target histamine receptors in the stomach and are used to treat gastric acid conditions like peptic ulcers and acid reflux.