05/14/2026
Seasonal allergies? Antihistamines may help relieve symptoms
Spring Allergy Season is in full swing, with Oklahoma experiencing multiple 'High Alert' days for tree pollen, grass pollen, w**d pollen, and mold.
When pollen, mold, grasses, or w**ds trigger seasonal allergies, your immune system releases histamine — one of the chemicals behind sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and congestion. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine’s effects, which can help reduce many common allergy symptoms.
Not all antihistamines are the same. Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic explains that older, first-generation antihistamines — such as diphenhydramine/Benadryl-type medicines — are more likely to cause drowsiness because they enter brain tissue more easily. Newer, second-generation antihistamines — such as loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, levocetirizine, and others — are designed to cause less drowsiness for many people.
A few helpful reminders:
✅ Antihistamines may help with sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.
✅ Some antihistamines are available as pills, liquids, eye drops, or nasal sprays.
✅ Nasal steroid sprays, saline rinses, and reducing pollen exposure may also be part of an allergy plan.
✅ Antibiotics do not treat seasonal allergies.
If allergies are disrupting sleep, school, work, or daily life, it may be time to talk with an allergist at the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic. The right treatment plan depends on your symptoms, triggers, age, other health conditions, and our team has been helping treat allergies and asthma for over 100 years.
To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, visit oklahomaallergy.com or call (405) 235-0040