What type of medication is typically prescribed to manage allergies and hay fever?

Antihistamines are the medication class typically prescribed to manage allergies and hay fever. These medications work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives. When exposed to allergens, the body releases histamine, leading to these undesired effects, and antihistamines counteract that reaction, effectively alleviating symptoms.

In contrast, analgesics are used to relieve pain but do not address the underlying allergy symptoms. Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections and are not effective against allergies, which are immune responses rather than infections. Expectorants help in thinning mucus and are primarily used for treating cough and respiratory congestion, not for allergy symptoms. Thus, antihistamines are the appropriate choice for alleviating allergic reactions and hay fever symptoms.