Not being able to breathe is frightening, making you feel like there's no way out. If you're currently taking water pills and ingesting caffeine, you need to talk with your doctor immediately. Water pills and caffeine are both diuretics that cause your body to rid itself of excessive water. Both drugs may lead to an allergic reaction, which your doctor will identify using allergy tests. Shortness of breathe may be a common side effect, the result of an allergic reaction or an overdose of caffeine.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is the result of swelling, inflammation and constriction that occurs in your lungs and airways. You may develop inflammation in your airways from taking water pills and caffeine because of various reasons, such as an allergic reaction or an overdose. Shortness of breath is commonly accompanied with trouble breathing, coughing, chest pain, chest tightness and wheezing. Wheezing occurs when the opening of your airways swell, cutting off normal airflow and resulting in a whistling sound.
Allergic Reaction
When you take any medication, you may develop an allergic reaction. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that if your immune system mistakes one of the drugs as a dangerous substance, your body will release immunoglobulin E antibodies and histamine to fight against the drug. This results in swelling in soft tissues throughout your body. Along with asthma-like symptoms, you may also develop skin irritation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, nasal congestion and hives. Report all allergy symptoms to your doctor because some allergic reactions can lead to death.
Caffeine Overdose
Shortness of breathe is a common sign of caffeine overdose. Caffeine is a stimulant drug that affects your central nervous system. Taking too much caffeine can cause an overdose, leading to serious medical compilations. If you are having trouble breathing and you develop an increased heart rate, confusion, hallucinations, palpitations and lightheadedness, call poison control. You may require emergency medical attention. Caffeine overdose may occur if you're currently taking caffeine pills and continue to eat and drink products that contain caffeine.
Treatment
Your doctor will evaluate the medications and your caffeine intake to determine the most effective treatment options. Stop consuming caffeinated beverages and foods until you can be assessed by your doctor. If you develop a severe allergic reaction to either the water pills or caffeine, you may need an injection of epinephrine to reduce inflammation and restore your ability to breathe.
