Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that causes airway inflammation. It is more difficult to breathe when your airways narrow. Asthmatics frequently encounter a chronic cough, shortness of breath, whistling or wheezing when breathing, and chest tightness.
Exposure to a chemical that triggers an allergic reaction creates allergic asthma. Mold, pet dander, pollen, and dust are common allergens for allergic asthma.
Non-allergic asthma is unrelated to allergens and can be triggered by stress, illness, weather, exercise, air irritants, and some drugs.
If you have allergic asthma and also have allergic rhinitis, you may benefit from taking an antihistamine such as Benadryl. It is, however, not a recommended treatment for allergic asthma.
Can Benadryl Be Used to Treat Allergic Asthma?
Some people take antihistamines over the counter to relieve allergy symptoms.
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a first-generation antihistamine with sleepiness and exhaustion as side effects. It has a short duration of action and does not provide long-term relief.
Benadryl can impair alertness, focus, and memory, and the benefits are very temporary, which is why doctors rarely recommend it for allergic asthma. They may, however, suggest a newer antihistamine that works longer and has fewer adverse effects.
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What Is the Mechanism of Action of Benadryl in the Treatment of Asthma?
Benadryl inhibits histamine receptors, which are frequently triggered during an allergic reaction. This counteracts histamine’s effects on the body. As a result, many allergy symptoms are reduced or eliminated.
According to new research, histamine receptors may play a role in asthma symptoms, and antihistamines may help some patients. The study focused on a subset of people with asthma who also have allergic rhinitis.
Antihistamines may be beneficial for people who have both illnesses.
Red, itchy, and watery eyes, as well as a runny nose and sneezing, are all relieved by Benadryl. Some of these symptoms, as well as core asthma symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing, may be