What Are Antihistamines?
Antihistamines are medications that block the effects of histamine, a chemical involved in
allergic reactions and immune responses. They are commonly used for allergies, but some
research suggests they may help with long COVID symptoms, where the immune response
is dysregulated.
How Antihistamines Help for Long COVID
- Reducing Inflammation: Histamine can trigger excessive immune responses,
leading to symptoms like headaches, brain fog, and fatigue. Antihistamines may
help lower inflammation levels by stabilizing mast cells, which release histamine. - Improving Autonomic Function: Some long COVID patients experience issues with
heart rate and blood pressure regulation, possibly due to histamine-related
dysfunction. Studies have found that antihistamines can improve cardiovascular
symptoms, reducing palpitations and stabilizing heart rate in affected patients. - Modulating the Immune System: Overactive immune responses contribute to long
COVID symptoms. Antihistamines have been shown to help regulate immune
activity, leading to symptom relief, including reduced fatigue and cognitive
dysfunction.
What the Research Says
Studies suggest that antihistamines may improve long COVID symptoms, particularly
those related to immune system dysfunction and inflammation.
Key Studies on Antihistamines for Long COVID:
Studies Showing Positive Effects:
- A study found that long COVID patients had immune system changes, particularly in
T cells. Many patients reported improvements in fatigue, brain fog, and dizziness
after taking a combination of different antihistamines. - A case report described two long COVID patients who experienced significant
symptom relief, including reduced fatigue, brain fog, and chest pain, after taking
over-the-counter antihistamines. Both patients regained much of their pre-illness
function. - A review explored the connection between mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
and long COVID. It suggests that COVID-19 may trigger excessive histamine release
in some individuals, leading to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and dizziness. - A study investigated the effects of antihistamines on cardiovascular symptoms and
other long COVID issues. Patients treated with a combination of antihistamines saw
improvements in heart rate regulation, fatigue, brain fog, and gastrointestinal
symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Antihistamines show promise as a potential treatment for long COVID, but their
effectiveness varies from person to person. If you’re considering antihistamines, it is
imperative to consult a healthcare provider, as these are medications that may have side
effects or interact with other treatments. A professional is required to oversee prescription treatments.