Coffee drinkers praise caffeine's ability to make them more alert and focused, as well as a host of other potential health benefits. However, caffeine is associated with a number of negative health impacts which may create a problem for people with respiratory or cardiac difficulties. Information on coffee and caffeine causing shortness of breath and other health problems is invaluable to those who need to share their symptoms with their doctor.
Material Safety Data Sheets
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, requires all employers to make available to their employees documents called Material Safety Data Sheets that set out, accurately and completely, the information regarding all potentially hazardous substances which may be found in the workplace. Material Safety Data Sheets are accordingly a good source of information regarding potential health hazards. Material Safety Data Sheets for caffeine, such as the one used by the Iowa State University Department of Chemistry, note that ingestion may cause an increase in metabolism, including rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and respiratory tract irritation, among a host of other negative health impacts. Any of these symptoms can give rise to a sensation of feeling short of breath.
National Library of Medicine
The National Library of Medicine at the U.S. National Institutes of Health produces free, easy-to-understand, up-to-date information about a wide variety of health topics, including the effects of caffeine, on its MedLine Plus website. According to MedLine Plus, heart palpitations may be brought on by caffeine, and can be felt in the chest or throat areas. Although these heart palpitations may be eliminated by reducing or removing caffeinated products like coffee from your diet, the National Institutes of Health recommends calling for emergency medical care if your heart palpitations are accompanied by shortness of breath. An arrhythmic heartbeat brought on by caffeine can create this breathing difficulty if the heart can not pump enough oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body, according to MedLine Plus.
Medical Associations
Medical associations publish information on a wide variety of health topics aimed at providing patients with accurate descriptions of symptoms associated with various conditions. They advise the public about when it's advisable to seek medical intervention. The American Academy of Family Physicians, through its website FamilyDoctor.org, notes that the symptoms of panic attacks include a pounding heart, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Caffeine from coffee, tea, sodas and chocolate stimulates your nervous system and can set off a wave of anxiety, triggering these symptoms, according to FamilyDoctor.org. The American Institute for Preventive Medicine, in materials published by the city of Eugene, Oregon's Healthier at Home program, indicates that anxiety attack symptoms including shortness of breath and dizziness can not only be brought on by consuming too much caffeine, but also from caffeine withdrawal.
Hospital Cardiovascular Health Departments
Hospitals are increasingly posting valuable public information about health conditions, particularly those health issues specifically treated at their institution. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic's Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, for example, publishes information regarding heart palpitations by Dr. Michael G. Kienzle, one of its staff physicians. Kienzle notes that heart palpitations can often be associated with shortness of breath. Keinzle advises cutting out caffeine and other foods that may trigger heart palpitations before treating with medication; however, see your doctor before trying any course of treatment on your own, as shortness of breath can indicate serious underlying health problems.
References
- City of Eugene, Oregon Healthier at Home; Mental Health Conditions, Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- National Institutes of Health National Library of Medicine MedLine Plus; Heart Palpitations
- FamilyDoctor.org; Anxiety and Panic: Gaining Control Over How You Are Feeling
- Iowa State University; Material Safety Data Sheet--Caffeine
- University of Iowa Health Care; Heart Palpitations: Frequently Asked Questions; Michael G. Kienzle, MD; December 2003
