Caffeine Allergy - Rare but Real

What Is a Caffeine Allergy?

Caffeine allergy is developed when our immune system recognizes caffeine as a harmful substance and releases IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies into the bloodstream. The antibodies travel to the cells causing allergic symptoms. Caffeine allergy is rare but can be life-threatening.

People who have an allergy to coffee will have an allergic reaction when exposed to the bean. Coffee beans contain different substances, such as chemicals or pesticides, that may cause an allergic reaction or intolerance in some people. People allergic to milk, cream, and flavored syrups may also have an allergic reaction when taking coffee containing these ingredients.

How Does Caffeine Cause Allergy?

Caffeine affects different people in different ways. On administration, it affects the working of different organs. The brain blocks the effects of chemical messengers that help us sleep. It also increases adrenaline levels in the blood, alerting the brain.

The body may respond with the following:

• Inflammation.

• Dilated blood vessels and tissues.

• Skin rash with itching, hives, or swelling.

What Are the Symptoms of a Coffee Allergy?

Coffee allergy can cause severe symptoms in the body within the first few hours of drinking or exposure to coffee beans. The symptoms can affect various parts of the body and worsen with time.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to caffeine include

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Dizziness.

• Trouble swallowing.

• Skin rashes such as hives.

• Wheezing cough.

• Stomach pain or abdominal cramps.

• Diarrhea.

• Shortness of breath.

• Reduced color of the skin.

• Weak pulse.

• Low blood pressure.

• Loss of consciousness.

• Severe allergic reactions may include

• Swelling of the throat and mouth.

• A sudden drop in blood pressure.

• Low heart rate.

• Fever.

Sometimes, the allergy symptoms may develop quickly into a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can progress rapidly and lead to shock, coma, cardiac or respiratory failure, and death.

How Is Coffee Allergy Different From Coffee Sensitivity?

Coffee sensitivity occurs when coffee is more than four cups or 400 milligrams daily. The symptoms usually go away once the person stops drinking coffee, and it is not life-threatening.

The symptoms of coffee sensitivity may include

1. Feeling uneasy.

2. Irritability.

3. Anxiety or nervousness.

4. Upset stomach.

5. Trouble sleeping or insomnia.

6. Abdominal cramps.

7. Involuntary muscle spasms.

8. Elevated heartbeat.

9. High blood pressure.

Coffee can worsen heartburn symptoms and gastroesophageal reflux disease in people sensitive to coffee. In addition, the caffeine in the coffee may relax the sphincter at the lower end of the food pipe and irritate it.

People who do not have caffeine regularly or those sensitive to caffeine may experience symptoms even after a relatively small amount of caffeine. It is because the body is not used to caffeinated drinks and cannot process and eliminate the caffeine from the system.

Can a Doctor Determine if I Have a Caffeine Allergy?

Suppose one suspects unusual symptoms like itchy or swollen lips, especially after a small amount of caffeine. In such cases, discuss with the doctor. The physician will usually apply a small amount of the allergen to the arm and see for a reaction. If a reaction occurs, the person is likely to be allergic to caffeine.

How Is Caffeine Allergy Treated?

Caffeine allergies are difficult to diagnose as they are scarce. However, a skin test can help confirm a caffeine allergy. If a person experiences caffeine allergy symptoms, they should contact a doctor who may put them on antihistamines to help reduce symptoms such as itchiness, swelling, and hives. However, avoiding foods and drinks containing caffeine is the only way to prevent a caffeine allergy.

It is advised to avoid caffeine as an energy boost and consider other natural energy booster regimes, such as

• Switch to Other Hot Drinks - If coffee is a part of daily routine, it is advised to replace it with non-caffeinated beverages like herbal tea, warm apple cider, or hot water with lemon.

• Increase Physical Activity - A workout routine, including jogging, walking, riding a bike, or taking a workout class, can help to counteract fatigue. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins and elevates mood and alertness.

• Plenty of Sleep - It is essential to have a good eight hours of sleep. Sleeping less than seven hours can cause morning fatigue. Take regular screen breaks.

• Drink Plenty of Water - Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to reduce the craving for cola or caffeinated energy drinks.

• Take Vitamin Supplements - Some vitamins can naturally boost energy levels over time. These include vitamin B, tyrosine, and Rhodiola rosea.

What Is the Difference Between Caffeine Allergy and Caffeine Overdose?

Caffeine allergy and an overdose of caffeine may have similar symptoms, such as anxiety, rapid heart rate, and increased blood pressure. A person who overdoses consumes much more than the recommendation of 400 mg of caffeine daily. Allergy is experienced by consuming only a few mouthfuls.

A person suffering from an overdose does not get symptoms like itchiness, swollen lips, or hives.

What Precautions to Be Taken When a Person Has Caffeine Allergy?

It is advised that people who have an allergy to caffeine should avoid coffee beans in all forms, including drinking, eating, or being exposed to the beans before roasting.

People allergic to caffeine must avoid consuming compounds containing caffeine, such as:

• Coffee.

• Various teas include black, green, Oolong, Pu’er, and white tea.

• Energy drinks.

• Some soft drinks and soda.

• Workout bars or meal bars.

• Cocoa.

• Chocolate.

• Frozen desserts.

• Over-the-counter medications such as Excedrin migraine.

People with allergies to caffeine need to check the labels of products such as candy, gums, and vitamins for caffeine content. In addition, specific pain treatments may contain caffeine and must be avoided.

Can a Caffeine Allergy Cause Complications?

It may worsen the symptoms if the person has a caffeine allergy and continue to ingest caffeine. It can cause severe anaphylactic symptoms, which can be life-threatening.

Conclusion:

Coffee drinking is a cultural norm in many countries. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that makes a person more alert and focused on anything. However, a caffeine allergy can have unpleasant effects. Therefore, limiting caffeine and opting for healthy options would be best.