An allergic reaction to caffeine can cause headaches to develop within minutes of consuming even a small amount of caffeine. While caffeine allergies are uncommon, an allergic reaction can cause minor to life-threatening reactions. If you notice that every time you ingest foods or beverages that contain caffeine you develop adverse reactions, you need to talk with your doctor. Not all reactions to caffeine are the result of an allergy and may be related to common side effects of ingesting caffeine. An allergist is the most qualified medical professional to diagnose your condition.
Allergy to Caffeine
In order to be diagnosed with a caffeine allergy, your body must produce a certain type of antibody when the chemical is introduced into your body. Immunoglobulin E, or IgE antibodies, are only created when the body experiences an allergic reaction. The immune system creates these type of antibodies when it mistakes a certain chemical, such as caffeine, as an intruding substance. The immune system overreacts to the caffeine and triggers a chemical reaction in the body. A common chemical released during an allergic reaction is histamine, which causes inflammation and swelling in soft tissues.
Allergy Headache
Most food-related allergic reactions that cause headaches are related to the sinus cavities. Histamine produced in the sinuses causes the passages to swell, cutting off your ability to discharge mucus and breathe through your nostrils. As your nasal passages swell, pressure is placed on the surrounding areas of your head, which leads to tenderness and pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that sinus headaches cause facial tenderness and pain in the eyes, cheeks, forehead, inner-ear and upper-teeth.
Treatment
A headache that develops from a caffeine allergy can be treated by taking an antihistamine and decongestant. Antihistamines reduce the amount of histamine produced in the body; decongestants reduce the swelling in your sinus cavities. The most effective treatment for a caffeine food allergy is to eliminate all caffeine from your diet. Avoid soda, tea, coffee, energy drinks and chocolate.
Consideration
Headaches that form from ingesting caffeine may not be related to an allergic reaction. Caffeine can cause reactions in the body that are not caused by an allergic reaction. If you have an allergy to caffeine, you will also develop other symptoms along with headaches, such as asthma, skin rashes, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, facial swelling, a metallic taste in your mouth, lightheadedness and abdominal cramping.
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