Caffeine may be viewed as an energy source, a drug, or a social beverage. If you are like 90 percent of the American population, then you consume coffee on a regular basis according to nutrition author Daniel M. Korn. This may be in the form of coffee, tea, a carbonated soda or an energy drink. Even many prescription pills contain caffeine. What you may not realize is that some people are actually allergic to caffeine. As with any food allergy, an allergic reaction to caffeine can have devastating consequences.
Skin Rashes
If you have a mild allergy to caffeine, then drinking two to three cups of coffee will likely cause itching, followed by red, bumpy rashes or hives. This can evolve into urticaria, or raised linear streaks on the skin, which is a severe skin reaction that warrants a visit to your physician.
Migraine Headaches
Another sign that you are allergic to caffeine is the onset of headaches within minutes of consuming a caffeinated product such as a cola or coffee, according to MayoClinic.com. The headache is usually a migraine-type, meaning that you will feel a squeezing, throbbing pain in the frontal or temple areas of your head.
Heart Symptoms
If you have a severe caffeine allergy, then drinking coffee may cause heart-related symptoms, such as palpitations, a racing heartbeat, skipped beats or even severe chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Caffeine has been known to cause both heart attacks and fatal rhythm disturbances of the heart, according to Dr. M.E. Cannon, who is an emergency medicine doctor in Western Australia.
Breathing Problems
In case of caffeine allergy, you might experience respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coughing spells or wheezing, says MayoClinic.com. You should consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Anxiety Symptoms
If you ever drank too many cups of coffee, you have likely experienced symptoms of anxiety or jitteriness. If you are truly allergic to caffeine, however, even one cup of coffee may induce a severe panic attack, or lead to impulsive or even suicidal behavior.
Facial Swelling
Another sign of true caffeine allergy is the development of facial swelling. Within minutes of drinking caffeine, you may notice swelling of your tongue, lips or eyelids. You should seek medical attention right away if such symptoms occur.
