Pressure and tightness in your chest from consuming caffeine is an alarming symptom that needs assessment immediately. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop pressure and tightness in your chest from caffeine. This is a possible sign of a severe allergic reaction that could cause life-threatening complications if not treated. Caffeine is a drug and needs to be treated as such. Stop consuming caffeine in all forms until you can be seen by your doctor.
Pressure and Tightness
When you ingest caffeine, your body may react as if it is a harmful invading substance. If your immune system makes this mistake, you will experience an allergic reaction that could lead to death. Pressure and tightness in your chest is a sign of severe inflammation and swelling that could affect your breathing and vital signs. This condition is called anaphylaxis, an extreme allergic reaction that affects your entire body. Other symptoms may include swelling of your face, bluish tint to your fingers and toes, cold fingers, fast or slow heart rate, shortness of breath and seizures. Call 911 if these symptoms develop.
Cause
A severe allergic reaction to caffeine occurs when your immune system overreacts to the substance, leading to a flood of chemicals in your system that cause your muscles, joints and soft tissue to swell and constrict. The presence of excessive histamine in your lungs will cause extreme swelling, which can cut off your ability to breathe. The release of these chemicals can also affect your cardiovascular system, respiratory system, skin and digestive tract.
Overdose Consideration
Caffeine is found in various products, such as coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate, medications and sports beverages. It's possible to overdose on caffeine, leading to severe adverse reactions that are not related to an allergy. If you suspect you're experiencing an overdose, call poison control or 911 for further instruction. You may need to go to the emergency room and receive treatment to eliminate the caffeine from your system. MedlinePlus states that a caffeine overdose can lead to death if not treated.
Treatment
Treatment for chest tightness and pressure from a caffeine allergy is an injection of epinephrine. If your doctor has provided you with a prescription for epinephrine and you have it on your person, you can inject it into your body and call 911. If you do not have epinephrine on your person, go to the closest emergency room or call 911. Without an injection of epinephrine, you may become unconscious and enter a state of shock.
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