Pain under your ribs after consuming caffeine may be a sign of an allergic reaction or an overdose. Stop consuming caffeine and call your doctor. If the pain does not subside within a few hours, go to the emergency room. Describe how much caffeine you've ingested in the last 24 hours and how it has affected your body. Pain under your ribs is most likely associated with inflammation of your airways and lungs or an increased or irregular heart rate. Both causes require medical attention and treatment.
Caffeine Intake
The average adult should consume less than 500 milligrams of caffeine on a daily basis, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Any amount over 500 milligrams is considered too much and may increase your risk of developing adverse reactions. The average 8-ounce cup of coffee contains between 102 and 200 milligrams of caffeine, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Caffeine is commonly found in chocolate, energy drinks, soda, coffee, tea and certain medications. Not everyone responds the same way to caffeine; you may not be able to consume more than one cup of coffee without developing side effects. Reducing your daily caffeine intake may prevent further adverse reactions from forming.
Overdose
Chest pain may be a sign of an overdose. Caffeine affects your central nervous system and can lead to death if taken in large quantities. Other symptoms of caffeine overdose may include confusion, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, convulsions, fever, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, sleeping trouble and muscle twitching, according to MedlinePlus. If you're diagnosed with caffeine overdose, your doctor may need wash out your digestive system to prevent further complications. If you experience symptoms of caffeine overdose, call your doctor or 911.
Caffeine Allergy
Drugs.com warns that caffeine may cause an allergic reaction. During an allergic reaction your lungs may swell, cutting off your ability to breathe normally and swallow. You may feel chest pain and tightness and develop a high-pitched sound in your throat when you breathe. A caffeine allergy occurs when your immune system mistakes the substance as harmful; your body responds by attacking the caffeine with chemicals that cause inflammation throughout your body.
Warning
If you develop chest pain along with other anaphylactic symptoms, call 911 immediately. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that affects your entire body and could cause life-threatening symptoms to develop. Signs of anaphylaxis include shortness of breath, trouble breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, a rapid heart rate, a drop in blood pressure, lightheadedness, dizziness, hives and other skin reactions. You may need a shot a epinephrine to alleviate your symptoms.
