Table of contents:
- What is a caffeine allergy like coffee?
- Caffeine allergy versus caffeine sensitivity
- When should I see a doctor?
- Treatment of allergies to caffeinated drinks such as coffee
- How to prevent coffee allergies
Coffee is a drink that is very popular around the world. In the past, coffee served as a snack companion, but now everyone can enjoy various types of coffee with or without food. However, not everyone can enjoy coffee and one of them is caused by an allergic reaction to caffeine.
What is a caffeine allergy like coffee?
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that stimulates the work of the brain, central nervous system, heart and muscles. Caffeine also works to inhibit sleepiness triggers in the brain and replace it by producing the stress hormone adrenaline, so that you are more focused.
Apart from coffee, you can also find caffeine in tea, soda, chocolate, and energy drinks. In fact, this stimulant substance is also used in several drugs.
Generally, the maximum dose of caffeine that is safe for adults is 400 milligrams per day, the equivalent of four cups of coffee.
Meanwhile, coffee allergy is a type of food allergy that considers caffeine intake as a dangerous compound. As a result, the body produces antibodies (immuniglobulin E) which trigger every cell of the body to fight back and cause inflammation.
Inflammation that occurs in the body due to caffeine consumption causes a variety of symptoms, such as:
- itchy,
- skin rash, and
- swollen.
Generally, foods that trigger allergies are proteins contained in eggs, milk, nuts, and seafood. However, the cause of caffeine allergy is unknown.
If you experience the allergy symptoms mentioned, consult a doctor immediately to get the right treatment.
Caffeine allergy versus caffeine sensitivity
Some people may think that the body's reaction that occurs after they drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages is sensitivity to caffeine. In fact, there is a significant difference between a caffeine allergy and caffeine sensitivity.
Sensitivity to caffeine usually refers to digestive problems. The reason is, the stomach that is not compatible with caffeine cannot digest it properly. As a result, several symptoms appear related to the digestive system, such as:
- heart beat,
- bloating,
- diarrhea,
- nervous,
- hard to sleep,
- stomach acid goes up, as well
- restlessness and headaches.
Meanwhile, coffee allergies, which are included in food allergies, are caused by an immune reaction to the food or drink that is consumed. Symptoms of food allergies such as caffeine can affect the skin, digestive tract and respiratory system, including:
- a rash and red bumps on the skin,
- skin feels itchy,
- swelling of the lips and tongue,
- the mouth, lips, and tongue feel itchy,
- stomach cramps, as well
- diarrhea.
When should I see a doctor?
If this type of food allergy is not treated promptly, the symptoms will get worse and you are at risk for anaphylactic shock. Although it is quite rare, this condition has happened to several people. However, it is not certain whether this anaphylactic shock is caused by caffeine itself or if there are other triggers.
Immediately consult a doctor if you or someone close to you experience symptoms:
- difficulty breathing and speaking,
- stomach ache,
- nausea and vomiting,
- increased heart rate,
- a 'giggling' sound due to narrowing of the airways, as well
- dizziness and fainting.
As with most other types of allergies, the doctor will perform an allergy skin test as a diagnostic procedure. This is done by placing a small amount of the allergen on the arm and seeing if any reactions develop within at least 24 hours.
Treatment of allergies to caffeinated drinks such as coffee
Allergy to coffee or other caffeinated drinks can indeed be treated with food allergy medications such as antihistamines. These antihistamines work to reduce allergy symptoms, such as itching and swelling.
If a person with a caffeine allergy experiences anaphylactic shock, you may be given an epinephrine (adrenaline) injection. The sooner you get treatment, the better the chances of recovering from an allergic food reaction sooner.
How to prevent coffee allergies
One way to prevent food allergies or at least reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to caffeine is to stop consuming them. Even though it sounds easy, the habit of drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks is certainly difficult to break.
The types of food and drinks that are usually high in caffeine that you need to limit include:
- coffee,
- tea,
- chocolate,
- energy drink,
- supplements containing caffeine, and
- medicines that contain caffeine.
Quitting caffeine suddenly can actually cause quite disturbing symptoms, ranging from headaches to fatigue. In some cases, this condition can also develop flu-like symptoms.
Therefore, people who live with food allergies, such as coffee, stop the habit gradually. Here are some tips that might help you limit drinking caffeinated beverages.
- Drink non-caffeine drinks in the morning, such as herbal tea or warm lemon water.
- Avoid coffee labeled as decaffeinated as it may contain 18 mg of caffeine.
- Drink plenty of water to suppress cravings for coffee, colas, or other caffeinated beverages.
- Exercise regularly to overcome fatigue due to no caffeine intake.
- Give your body time to rest with adequate sleep and be more relaxed.
When consumed in reasonable amounts, there are a myriad of health benefits of caffeine, such as increasing alertness. Although a caffeine allergy is quite rare, don't underestimate the symptoms that appear after consuming coffee or other drinks.
If you have further questions, consult your doctor for the right solution.
