Caffeine is a chemical drug that stimulates your nerves and is able to make you more mentally alert. As with any drug, your body may develop an allergic reaction to caffeine when you ingest it. If your body mistakes caffeine as a harmful substance, your immune system will create certain antibodies to attack the chemical. This begins a chemical chain reaction in the body that can cause mild to severe allergic reactions. Swelling in the face is a common sign of an allergic reaction that needs to be evaluated by your family doctor or allergist.
Swollen Eyes
Eye swelling is commonly found with allergies, such as pollen, mold or dust, but can occur from a food or drug-related allergy. Histamine is one of many chemicals that created during an allergy that attempts to fight off the caffeine and protect the body from infection. Histamine produced in large quantities causes inflammation in soft tissue. Eye swelling is the result of increased histamine production in the tissues that surround your eyes. You may feel pressure, pain and discomfort as a result of the inflammation.
Caffeine Allergy
An allergic reaction to caffeine occurs because of a malfunction in the immune system. Caffeine is safe for human consumption, but your immune system accidentally identifies the substance as dangerous. Drug-related allergies do not always cause symptoms to develop the first time the substance is exposed to the body. It can take three or four exposures before the body reacts with symptoms, such as swollen eyes. This is because the body needs time to build up a resistance and enough immunoglobulin E antibodies to effectively attack the caffeine.
Anaphylaxis Consideration
Anytime you develop facial swelling as a result of an allergic reaction, you need to use caution. Swelling in any portion of the face is an alarming symptom that may be a sign of anaphylaxis. If the facial swelling begins seconds after consuming caffeine, call 911 immediately. Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction that can affect your vital organs and lead to death. Along with facial swelling, you may develop hives, become short of breath, dizzy and lightheaded and feel a lump form in your throat.
Avoidance
If you're clinically diagnosed with a caffeine allergy, you will need to avoid the consumption of all caffeine. Even a small amount of caffeine can trigger your allergy. Avoid chocolate products, regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee, some brands of soda, some pain relievers, black tea and energy drinks.
