A natural compound found in numerous plants, caffeine is a common ingredient in coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda, chocolate and even some over-the-counter pain relievers. Though widely used and often harmless for most people, caffeine can cause adverse side effects, including shortness of breath.
Stimulating Effects
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, says MayoClinic.com. As such, it has multiple effects on your body. You may associate caffeine with feelings of wakefulness and alertness, but as a stimulant, caffeine also speeds up many biological processes, such as your heart rate and your breathing. This respiration rate increase can make you feel short of breath as your body begins to inhale and exhale more quickly than usual. In addition, caffeine raises your blood pressure, increases gastric acid production, sends fluids through your body more quickly and may contribute to elevated mood, says the University of Utah College of Pharmacy.
Adverse Effects
Most caffeine users experience no ill effects from their caffeine consumption, according to Drugs.com. However, adverse effects of caffeine use are possible. Drugs.com notes that excessive use of caffeine can lead to shortness of breath, as well as restlessness, anxiety, sleep disorders, nausea, headache, irregular heartbeat, jittery feelings and even depressed mood.
How Much is Safe?
The National Institutes of Health state that the amount of caffeine found in two to four cups of coffee per day is safe and harmless for most individuals. MayoClinic.com states that four or more cups of coffee per day -- or 500 to 600 mg of caffeine per day -- is considered excessive and may cause negative side effects. If you experience shortness of breath after ingesting caffeine, it could be because you are consuming an amount of caffeine that is not safe for you.
Safety Considerations
Consult your physician immediately if you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Numerous medical conditions can cause respiratory symptoms, and your physician can best evaluate your symptoms to determine their cause. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than are others and may experience unpleasant side effects such as shortness of breath from even a small dose. If this is the case for you, you may need to eliminate caffeine from your diet altogether. Seek a physician's advice about this possibility.
