Will giving benadryl (diphenhydramine) help my 10yo with his asthma at night? he also has allergies.

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and asthma: Although many individuals with asthma have allergies that enter into the cause, anti-histamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may dry out the normal bronchial secretions and thereby not be helpful. What can be helpful is a thorough examination by doctors who are well versed in treating asthma. These doctors can determine the cause of the asthma and then give appropriate treatment.

Temporary relief: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) allergy can definitely provide temporary relief of some symptoms, but keep mind, its not a medication that should be for long term use. You should speak with your pediatrician about different medications available for asthma and allergy control, depending on the severity of each. He/she can discuss the best options suitable for your child.

No: Children who have asthma may have symptoms during the night, the major one being a nighttime dry cough. Benadryl(diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine which helps with allergies and can cause sleepiness. In most cases, Benadryl will not hurt the asthma but will not fix the problem. Asthma symptoms in the night are usually signs of poor asthma control and warrant follow-up with your pediatrician.

No.: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and other antihistamines neither improve nor worsen asthma. It may help his allergic nose or itchy skin. If your son has nighttime asthma symptoms more than twice each month then he falls into the category of persistent asthma. Effective treatment for such asthma requires routine use of controller medications such as inhaled corticosteroids (preferred) or singulair.