According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as 20 million Americans, or one in 15, suffer from asthma. Asthma is responsible for 2 million emergency room visits each year with half of those being children. Caffeine is a natural substance that comes in various beverages and foods including coffee and soft drinks. According to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, estimates reveal that between 80 and 90 percent of American adults and children regularly consume caffeine. While many physicians suggest that you limit your caffeine intake, there are studies that show caffeine plays a positive role in health.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a natural substance in plants such as tea leaves, coffee and cocoa beans. According to the National Institutes of Health it is a central nervous system stimulant and a diuretic. Caffeine is often added in synthetic form to medications such as pain relievers and cold medicines. Side effects of caffeine consumption can include a rapid heart rate, anxiety, tremors, depression and sleep disorders. The recommended amount of caffeine for daily intake is no more than three, eight-ounce cups of coffee. While you are cautioned against taking large doses of caffeine, some studies have reported benefits to caffeine consumption. For example, a 2010 study published in the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease" shows that moderate caffeine consumption has therapeutic potential in the treatment of that very prevalent condition.
Asthma
Asthma is an inflammation in your airway that can cause attacks of wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. Asthma can be triggered by allergens such as substances carried by animals, including their fur; pollen; and certain chemicals, but it can also be a result of exercise. Asthma is generally treated with two types of medications. One medication is designed to prevent attacks from happening and the other is designed to provide quick relief during an attack. Asthma has no cure, but with proper treatment and medication, it can be regulated.
Medical Studies
Recent studies have looked at the connection between caffeine intake and asthma. A 2010 study published in the "International Journal of Sports Medicine" looked at caffeine and its effects on patients with exercise-induced asthma. What they discovered was that moderate to high doses of caffeine intake created a protective effect from the exercise-induced asthma and it is recommended that if you suffer from exercise-induced asthma that attacks could be reduced by increasing your caffeine intake before exercise. A 2010 study published in the "Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews" showed that caffeine intake appears to improve the airway function for as much as four hours after consumption. Researchers advise that people with asthma refrain from drinking caffeinated beverages for at least four hours before taking a lung function test to assure accurate results.
Considerations
While studies have shown that caffeine may be beneficial for patients with asthma, there are still side effects to increased caffeine consumption that should be considered. Before adding caffeine to your diet or making any other changes consult with your physician and discuss the possible benefits caffeine may have for you. Your physician will best be able to advise you on your asthma treatment and caffeine intake.
References
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Asthma Facts and Figures
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center; Information About Caffeine Dependence; July 9, 2003
- MedlinePlus; Caffeine in the Diet; May 2, 2009
- "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease"; Caffeine and Coffee as Therapeutics Against Alzheimer's Disease; GW Arendash and C. Cao; 2010
- "International Journal of Sports Medicine"; Comparative Effects of Caffeine and Albuterol on the Bronchoconstrictor Response to Exercise in Asthmatic Athletes; TA VanHaitsma et al.; April 2010
- "Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews"; Caffeine for Asthma; EJ Welsh et al.; January 20, 2010
