If you have pressure in your chest after consuming caffeine, you should consult with your doctor and stop ingesting caffeine. Pressure in the chest is a concerning symptom that may be a sign of a more severe condition. Chest pain may be the result of caffeine overdose or an allergic reaction, which both can end in death if not treated. Remove all caffeine from your diet until you can be seen by your doctor to avoid any further complications. If you have any known medical conditions, you should not consume caffeine without first talking with your health care provider.
Background
Caffeine is a stimulant drugs that is added to foods, beverages and medications. Some foods contain natural caffeine, such as coffee or tea and should be consumed in moderation. When you consume caffeine, the drug enters your blood stream quickly and enters your brain within minutes. Caffeine stimulates your mental alertness and can make you feel more awake. Too much caffeine can cause serious adverse reactions, such as pressure in your chest, chest pain and shortness of breath. If caffeine is added to a beverage, the manufacturer is required by law to include the drug in the ingredients.
Chest Pressure
Chest pressure is a common symptom of caffeine overdose and an allergic reaction. The way to distinguish the cause of the chest pressure is how much caffeine you've consumed in the last 24 hours. If you've only had around 400 mg of caffeine, it is unlikely that you're experiencing an overdose. The average 8-oz. cup of coffee contains between 95 and 200 milligrams of caffeine. Chest pressure from an allergic reaction will develop with the smallest amount of caffeine ingestion. Chest pressure may lead to chest pain, difficulty breathing and wheezing.
Overdose Signs
Overdosing on caffeine is rare, but may occur if you ingest more than the recommended daily amount. Drugs.com states that an adult should not consume more than 1,600 milligrams of caffeine in a 24 hour period. If you've consumed a considerable amount of caffeine and you develop chest pressure along with diarrhea, dizziness, fever, changes in alertness, convulsions, confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle twitching and hallucinations, you should call 911 or poison control. Without medical intervention you may develop life-threatening symptoms.
Allergy Signs
An allergic reaction to caffeine will cause lip, tongue, face or throat swelling, wheezing, chest pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, hives, rashes, eczema, nasal congestion, sinus headaches and a rapid hear rate. A severe allergic will need an injection of epinephrine to alleviate the symptoms.
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