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How Do I Choose the Best Antihistamine for Asthma?

Laura M. Sands
Laura M. Sands

To choose the best antihistamine for asthma, begin by asking your doctor for recommendations. As well, ask others who have used different types of antihistamines about their experiences with each one. Carefully research all of your options and pay particular attention to the side effects of antihistamines. If you are currently taking other medication for asthma or for another health condition, speak to your doctor about antihistamine interactions.

One of the uses of antihistamines is to help asthma sufferers breathe better by clearing nasal passages. In some cases, however, an antihistamine may actually trigger an asthma attack. Health experts, therefore, recommend that anyone considering taking an antihistamine for asthma only do so under the care and advice of a medical doctor. If your doctor agrees that an antihistamine may help your asthma symptoms, ask for recommendations on which kind to take.

An asthma inhaler.
An asthma inhaler.

People who have taken an antihistamine for asthma may be able to offer insight as to how well certain types of antihistamines work. Asking these individuals for information on side effects may be a good idea. Still, taking the time to research the active ingredients of an antihistamine is important, as is discussing with your doctor any antihistamines that you would like to try that she or he has not already recommended.

An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
An illustration of the pathology of asthma.

Once you have narrowed your possible choices down to just a few, only consider taking an antihistamine that will not interfere with other medications you may be taking. These medications include any that you are taking for asthma as well as those being taken for any other health conditions. In addition to prescription medications, you may also want to speak to your doctor about taking an antihistamine for asthma if you are regularly using any herbs or engaging in alternative health practices.

Being aware of the various medical studies that have been done to determine whether an antihistamine for asthma is helpful may also help you in choosing the best one for your health. Some studies deem that antihistamines are only mildly helpful and that other medications are actually more useful in helping asthma sufferers avoid attacks. While pharmaceutical companies have begun to make antihistamines which some studies reveal may be beneficial to asthma sufferers, not all of these drugs are available in every country. All antihistamines are not the same, in that they do not all have the same ingredients or side effects. Depending on the type of asthma you have, health experts recommend using an antihistamine for asthma sparingly and only doing so under the advisement and care of a doctor.

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    • An asthma inhaler.
      By: alctxphoto
      An asthma inhaler.
    • An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
      By: Alila
      An illustration of the pathology of asthma.