Hi Barbara,

Benadryl is what is known as a first-generation antihistamine. It is one of the traditional treatments for allergies, but if what you're asking is would Benadryl help asthma, then I can only say that it might help with some symptoms associated with allergic asthma, but it will not directly help with airway inflammation or likely relieve any of your asthma symptoms.To treat asthma, you need to have an asthma-specific drug. Inhaled steroids are the treatments of choice.

But, if what you are actually asking is whether it is safe to take Benadryl when you have asthma, then the answer is "that depends."

It depends on whether you are allergic to Benadryl or if it triggers asthma symptoms. It doesn't in most people, but everyone is different. For questions like this, it's always best to ask your own doctor who knows you.

To your health,

Kathi