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.
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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.
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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 experienced by people with allergic asthma.
How to Use Benadryl or Other Antihistamines for Asthmatic Allergies
Benadryl is included as a treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis in the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology's antihistamine guide. According to the label, adults should take 25–50 mg every 4–6 hours.
Benadryl might not be suitable for everyone. Because of its sedative effect, some people, such as those over the age of 65, are at a higher risk.
Some people, notably those with other chronic health concerns such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, or high blood pressure, may need to use it with caution.
Before taking Benadryl for allergic asthma, see your doctor. Based on your medical history, they can advise you on whether Benadryl is safe for you. A doctor can also assist you in developing a comprehensive treatment plan that includes both short- and long-acting drugs to manage allergic asthma.
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Is Benadryl Safe to Take for Different Types of Asthma?
Benadryl alleviates typical allergy symptoms. The medicine does not widen the airways in the same manner that first-line asthma therapies do.
Benadryl may not help with non-allergic asthma unless the same irritations that cause asthma, such as smoke or air pollutants, also produce allergic symptoms.
If You Have Asthma, Are Antihistamines Safe for Other Conditions?
People with asthma may benefit from an antihistamine for other diseases, such as the common cold. This is generally safe for asthmatics.
Asthma Therapies that Work
Asthma can be managed with a combination of suggested medicines and avoiding triggers.
Because everyone's asthma is unique, a doctor can assist you in developing a specific management strategy to treat symptoms over time.
Asthma drugs come in a variety of formats. Inhalers allow you to breathe the drug directly into your lungs. Some asthma treatments are also available in pill or injection form.
Asthma treatments function by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways (bronchodilators) and lowering mucus and edema (anti-inflammatories).
Medication is classified into four types:
- Quick-relief drugs work quickly and should be given as soon as symptoms appear.
- Controller drugs act over time to control airway abnormalities, including edema and mucous.
- Combination medications are used to treat both acute and chronic asthma symptoms.
- Biologics are injectable drugs that work at the cellular level to treat specific forms of asthma. They keep the airways from swelling.
Summary
Antihistamines are not recommended as a first-line treatment for asthma. Both allergic and non-allergic asthma are often treated with a mix of immediate relief and controller drugs that expand the airways and minimize swelling and mucus production.
Benadryl may be used to treat allergic rhinitis symptoms in people with allergic asthma. While using Benadryl for other allergy symptoms may help some people with allergic asthma, it will not help with core asthma symptoms.
