Reader Question: My doctor told me certain cold medications are dangerous for people who have asthma. Which ones should I avoid?
While colds themselves can trigger an asthma attack, the meds used to treat them (antihistamines and decongestants) can be just as dangerous. Stay away from the ingredient diphenhydramine (an older type of antihistamine); it can dry you up so much that it can make it harder to fight off a cold. You also want to avoid pseudoephedrine, a decongestant that can speed up your heart rate. Since some asthma meds (like rescue inhalers that open up the airways) also increase heart rate, the combination can make your heart beat dangerously fast.
If you have asthma and catch a cold, my best advice is to not take any OTC cold meds without first clearing it with your doctor. If you do take them, make sure you read labels carefully and don't take more than the recommended amount.
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