Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant found in coffee, soft drinks, tea and chocolate. The brain contains adenosine, a chemical that slows down cell activity. Caffeine binds to adenosine receptors and inhibits their effects. This leads to an increase in energy and alertness. In addition to these benefits, caffeine might also be beneficial for asthmatics.
Asthma
Asthma causes inflammation of the air passageways, which makes breathing difficult. Common symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing and chest pain. Asthma can start at any age and affects both children and adults. Although asthma isn't curable, treatments such as an inhaler are usually used to control symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Exercise-Induced Asthma
Caffeine might decrease exercise-induced asthma, according to a study conducted by scientists from the University of Utah. They discovered that asthmatic athletes consuming 6mg to 9mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight one hour prior to exercise experienced reductions in exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, which causes tightening of the air passageways that leads to asthma symptoms. These results are similar to the effects seen in an albuterol inhaler, according to research reported in the April 2010 issue of the "International Journal of Sports Medicine."
Lung Function
Scientists from the University of London performed a meta-analysis, or review, of the studies regarding caffeine effects on lung function in asthmatics. They concluded that caffeine is modestly effective for improving lung function in asthmatics up to four hours after ingestion, according to findings reported in the January 2010 issue of "Cochrane Database System Reviews."
Side Effects
Keep in mind that too much caffeine, defined as more than 500 to 600mg, might cause side effects, including nervousness, restlessness and muscle tremors, according to the Mayo Clinic. Consult your health care physician before taking caffeine for asthma.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Asthma; May 2010
- "International Journal of Sports Medicine"; Comparative Effects of Caffeine and Albuterol on the Bronchoconstrictor Response to Exercise in Asthmatic Athletes; T.A. VanHaitsma et al.; April 2010
- "Cochrane Database System Reviews"; Caffeine For Asthma; E.J. Welsh et al.; 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine: How much is too much?; March 2011
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