Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and chest tightness (some people get all of these symptoms, while others may only have a cough, for example). It is a result of some known (allergens, occupational exposures) and some unknown factors.
The following information is provided to answer commonly asked questions about Asthma.
12. I’ve heard that antihistamines are bad for asthmatics. Is this true?
I consider this an “old doctor’s tale.” Some of the newer prescription antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin) have been shown in studies to be very safe in asthmatics – perhaps even making the asthma improve. There were studies done many years ago that suggested that older antihistamines (like some of the over-the-counter drugs available today) could worsen asthma. A recent meta-analysis showed that antihistamines do not increase asthma symptoms or decrease lung function in asthmatics. Indeed, many asthmatics have allergies, and I don’t believe that they should be denied the newer prescription antihistamines.
Allergic Diagnostic & Treatment Clinic Food and Drug Allergy • Hay Fever • Sinus • Asthma Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
