Antihistamines are commonly used to combat a range of symptoms and conditions associated with the body's production of histamine. Antihistamines can be useful for athletes who experience allergy symptoms that impede performance. Other uses for antihistamines in exercise are currently being explored. It is important to seek medical advice from your health care provider before making any changes to your lifestyle or the medications you take routinely.
Function
Antihistamines are anti-allergy medications that can prevent or relieve symptoms associated with hay fever or other forms of allergy. MayoClinic.com reports that antihistamines function by blocking the physical effects of histamine -- a substance produced naturally by your body. Histamine can cause sneezing, a runny nose, itchiness and watering of the eyes; it may also cause breathing difficulties. Antihistamines are designed to stop or reduce such symptoms.
Types
Different types of antihistamines are available in the United States, with over-the-counter and prescription-only formats both available. A wide range of uses for antihistamines has been found. The antihistamine diphenhydramine, for example, is used to reduce tremors and stiffness for individuals with Parkinson's disease and also to relieve symptoms of the common cold. An antihistamine called hydroxyzine may be used as an anti-anxiety medication or to induce sleep prior to surgical procedures, according to MayoClinic.com.
Expert Insight
A report in the March 1993 of the journal "Sports Medicine" indicated that athletes suffering from seasonal allergies -- such as rhinitis, which may impair breathing during exercise -- have a choice of antihistamine medications to reduce symptoms and improve athletic performance. Medications that cause drowsiness and sedation are less desirable for athletes, because they may slow a person down. Newer types of antihistamine do not have sedating effects. The study stated that there was no apparent effect on exercise performance when antihistamines were taken by an athlete without symptoms relating to histamine. Therefore, antihistamines cannot be considered performance-enhancing.
Theories/Speculation
The website Medical News Today reports that histamine may play a role in the phenomenon of experienced athletes losing consciousness following exercise. Quoting a 2006 research study at the University of Oregon, the article states that certain individuals may have overactive histamine receptors that cause this. The antihistamines fexofenadine and ranitidine, when taken before exercise, were found effective in preventing such blackouts.
Warning
Many antihistamines cause significant drowsiness, so as an athlete, consider whether you will be safe to drive to and from a race if you plan to take antihistamines beforehand. Also, MayoClinic.com warns that over-the-counter medications for coughs and colds can cause serious or even fatal side effects in children under the age of four.
