Caffeine commonly causes side effects, such as nervousness and insomnia, but if you develop extreme symptoms, you may have an allergy to caffeine. Caffeine is a substance that is naturally found in some food products, such as chocolate, coffee and tea. It is also added to certain medications and soda products. Although caffeine is considered safe for moderate consumption, if you are allergic to the substance, even a small amount can trigger an allergic reaction.
Caffeine Allergy
Any substance that your body mistakes as dangerous can trigger an allergic reaction. A genuine allergic reaction is the result of a hypersensitivity to a particular substance, called an allergen that triggers an immune system attack. After you ingest caffeine, your immune system creates specific antibodies, called immunoglobulin E antibodies that attack the caffeine, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. These antibodies trigger your mast cells to create histamine to help protect the body from infection. This chemical reaction in the body causes inflammation and irritation to develop throughout the body.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of an allergy to caffeine may be difficult to distinguish from common side effects. Within a few minutes of ingesting caffeine, you may develop asthma-like symptoms, such as shortness of breath, trouble breathing, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. Other symptoms include nasal congestion, increased heart rate, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, skin rashes, itchiness, hives, eczema, lightheadedness and dizziness. Allergy symptoms may range from minor to severe and can cause death in rare circumstances.
Testing
Because symptoms of a caffeine allergy and common side effects of the substance are similar, your doctor may recommend allergy testing. A small amount of caffeine is placed on a patch of your skin. If the skin becomes red, irritated and inflamed, you may have an allergy. A sample of your blood may be taken and sent to a lab where caffeine will be introduced by a technician. If your blood creates immunoglobulin E antibodies, you will be diagnosed with a caffeine allergy. The only way to prevent and treat an allergy to caffeine is through elimination. Decaffeinated teas and coffee still contain minimal amounts of caffeine and should be avoided.
Overdose Consideration
If you consume more than 1,000 mg of caffeine daily, you are at risk of developing caffeine overdose, according to Drugs.com. Overdosing on caffeine may cause life-threatening symptoms that are not related to an allergy. Common symptoms include muscle twitching, breathing trouble, rapid heart rate, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, fever, convulsions and high-pitched sound in the ear.
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