Allergic reactions can happen to anyone. Most allergic reactions are related to foods, insect bites, medications and airborne allergens, according to Medline Plus, an online resource of the National Institutes of Health. One of the most effective drugs that can help alleviate allergies is antihistamines. Antihistamines work by preventing the mast cells in the body from producing histamine. Research conducted in Korea indicates that caffeine may be useful in treating allergic reactions because of its natural antihistamine properties, according to BBC News.
Cause
An allergic reaction occurs in the body when a substance is introduced that the immune system identifies as harmful. The immune system quickly builds a resistance to the substance and defends the body by creating Immunoglobulin E, or IgE antibodies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. IgE antibodies in the bloodstream cause mast cells to produce histamine. Histamine is a hormone in the body that helps prevent infection, but in large quantities it can lead to inflammation in soft tissue.
Effect
Histamine in soft tissue is the main effect of an allergic reaction, resulting in common symptoms. Allergy symptoms commonly develop in the skin, gut, nasal passages and lungs, according to Medline Plus. You may experience hives, eczema, skin itchiness, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, nasal congestion, a runny nose, post-nasal drip and asthma as a result of an allergic reaction.
Caffeine Consideration
According to BBC News, caffeine may act as a natural antihistamine, reducing the amount of histamine released in soft tissue, resulting in a reduction of symptoms. Tests performed in South Korea in 2000 concluded that a minimal amount of caffeine, such as 0.1 mg, was an effective treatment for a severe allergic reaction. The test used lab rats to determine if caffeine would help prevent a fatal allergic reaction. The rats that were given caffeine survived, while those without the caffeine injection died. Dr. Fayed Assem at University College London's pharmacology department stated that he doubted if caffeine could have that much of an effect on an allergic reaction but admitted that caffeine does help prevent histamine.
Other Treatments
The use of synthetic antihistamines is an effective way to treat common allergy symptoms, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Antihistamines are categorized into first- and second-generation medications. First-generation antihistamines are stronger and more effective but cause significant drowsiness. Second-generation antihistamines are generally sold in 24-hour single-dose pills and do not cause drowsiness. Second-generation antihistamines also take longer to work in the body and are commonly used for hay fever or seasonal allergies.
Warning
The use of caffeine to treat any medical condition needs to be implemented under a doctor's supervision. Do not attempt to diagnose or treat yourself. Some people may experience adverse reactions after ingesting caffeine.
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