You may think you're allergic to coffee, but your symptoms are most likely the result of an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the coffee or sensitivity to caffeine. Any time you develop adverse reactions after ingesting a substance, you need to call your doctor to receive a medical assessment. You can develop an allergy to anything that enters your body, and these items may cause mild to severe symptoms.
Allergic Reaction
A true allergic reaction is a hypersensitivity of the immune system that causes the body to create immunoglobulin E antibodies, disease-fighting agents. An allergy to coffee is uncommon, and an allergic reaction may be the result of an allergy to another ingredient in the beverage. Cream or milk, which many people are allergic to, is commonly added to coffee beverages. You may have an allergic reaction to caffeine after consuming coffee. An allergic reaction will cause various chemicals to be released throughout your body, causing inflammation and swelling.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may vary in severity from person to person. If you develop one or more of these symptoms after drinking coffee, call your doctor immediately. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, skin rashes, hives, eczema, itchiness, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, light-headedness, dizziness and an increased heart rate. Alarming symptoms may include a sudden drop in blood pressure, a faint pulse, facial swelling and fainting.
Caffeine Sensitivity
Not everyone can tolerant caffeine. Some people may have a sensitivity to caffeine, causing allergy-like symptoms. The average 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 133 milligrams of caffeine. Common side effects of consuming caffeine that may be similar to an allergic reaction include dizziness, diarrhea, fast heart rate, pale skin, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and abdominal bloating. If you're sensitive to caffeine you may need to avoid consuming all caffeinated beverages, including decaffeinated coffee.
Identification
If you experience allergy-related symptoms after drinking coffee, your doctor may recommend allergy testing to determine the exact cause of your symptoms. Allergy testing will use the suspected allergens, such as milk proteins, caffeine and coffee, and expose your skin and blood to them. If your skin becomes blotchy, red, bumpy or generally irritated you most likely have an allergy to that substance. Blood tests can determine whether your body creates Immunoglobulin E antibodies when the suspected allergen is introduced.
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