If your lips are swollen after ingesting caffeine, you need to call 911 immediately. Lip swelling is a sign of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that affects your entire body. Anaphylaxis causes life-threatening symptoms that could lead to death if not treated. Caffeine is a drug and it can trigger an allergic reaction in your body. Caffeine is sold over-the-counter in supplement form, but is mostly ingested through certain foods and beverages. The allergic reaction may or may not be related to the caffeine specifically but may be the result of another ingredient in the food or beverage.
Caffeine Allergy
Although you may not think of caffeine as a drug, it stimulates your central nervous system. Any drug can trigger an allergic reaction in your body after taking a few doses, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Caffeine is naturally found in cocoa beans, coffee beans and tea leaves. Other food and beverages may have caffeine added, such as sports drinks, energy drinks and some carbonated beverages. If you're allergic to caffeine you will develop similar symptoms every time you consume something that contains the drug.
Cause
Lip swelling is a sign of anaphylaxis and is caused by a systematic flood of chemicals, according to Drugs.com. When you ingest caffeine, your immune system overreacts to the substance as if it was going to cause harm to your body, although it is safe. This mistake of your immune system causes a reaction that occurs throughout the body, releasing immunoglobulin E antibodies that attempt to fight off the caffeine, according to MedlinePlus. The introduction of IgE antibodies results in your mast cells producing histamine, a chemical that's created in soft tissues. Histamine causes inflammation in your soft tissues, leading to most allergy symptoms, such as lip swelling.
Anaphylactic Shock
Lip swelling, tongue swelling facial swelling and throat swelling are all symptoms of anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock occurs when your body produces excessive amounts of allergy-related chemicals. The inflammation and constriction that occurs causes your body to enter a state of shock and could lead to serious complications. Along with lip swelling, you may also become short of breath, nauseated, dizzy and lightheaded.
Avoidance
If you are allergic to caffeine, avoid consuming all foods and beverages that contain any amount of caffeine. Even decaffeinated tea and coffee still contain a small amount of caffeine that could trigger an allergic reaction. Avoid chocolate, coffee, soda and energy drinks.
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