Which of the following medications helps reduce symptoms associated with allergies?

Antihistamines are medications that specifically target the symptoms associated with allergies. When an allergen is encountered, the body releases histamine, a chemical that contributes to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and hives. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine at its receptors, effectively reducing these allergy symptoms. They can be used to manage a variety of allergic reactions, including those related to environmental triggers like pollen or dust.

While corticosteroids can also be effective in managing inflammation associated with severe allergic reactions and may provide relief from symptoms, they are typically used for more severe cases and have a different mechanism of action, primarily reducing inflammation rather than specifically blocking histamine. Antacids are designed to neutralize stomach acid and are not related to allergies. Sympathomimetics can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and may have some role in managing nasal congestion, but they do not directly address the histamine response that characterizes allergic reactions.

Therefore, antihistamines are the most direct and appropriate choice for alleviating the symptoms associated with allergies.