What therapeutic role do antihistamines primarily serve in patients?

Antihistamines primarily function by blocking the effects of histamine, a neurotransmitter involved in allergic reactions. When the body is exposed to an allergen, histamine is released, leading to symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, and hives. By acting as antagonists at histamine receptors, particularly H1 receptors, antihistamines help alleviate these allergy symptoms, making them a key therapeutic option for managing conditions like allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and other allergy-related issues. Their ability to reduce these symptoms contributes significantly to improving the patient's comfort and quality of life during allergic reactions.

Other options discuss roles that do not align with the primary function of antihistamines; for instance, they do not stimulate the immune system or enhance allergic reactions, and while some antihistamines can have sedative effects that might aid in sleep, this is not their primary therapeutic intent.