Consuming caffeine may help you wake up in the morning, but it may also result in various unwanted side effects, such as chest pain, breathing trouble and stomach pain. Caffeine is a natural drug that is intended for occasional use that has a direct impact on your central nervous system, according to Drugs.com. If you consume caffeine on a daily basis and you develop chest pain, you may need to cut back on the amount you consume in a 24-hour period.
Caffeine Sensitivity
The effects of caffeine will affect each individual differently. MayoClinic.com explains that age, body mass, health conditions and the amount of caffeine your body is accustomed to may have an impact on how sensitive you are to the stimulant. When you ingest caffeine, it quickly enters your bloodstream and then your brain. While the chemical helps improve mental clarity and can provide you with increased energy, it can also cause diarrhea, irritability, nervousness, an increased heart rate, breathing trouble and chest discomfort. Any concerning symptoms need to be reported to your doctor.
Allergic Reaction
Chest pain may be a sign of an allergic reaction. If your immune system mistakes caffeine as an intruding substance that can harm your body, it will attack it with various chemicals that cause inflammation and muscle constriction throughout the body. A common symptom of an allergic reaction is chest pain from your lungs swelling and your airways becoming constricted, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Other signs of an allergic reaction include a high-pitched sound in your throat, coughing, shortness of breath, hives, skin inflammation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Overconsumption
Consuming too much caffeine may cause symptoms of an overdose. Because caffeine is a drug, too much of the substance can overwhelm the body. Drugs.com states that you should not consume more than 1,000 mg of caffeine in a 24-hour period. MayoClinic.com states that moderate caffeine consumption is considered two to four cups of coffee daily, which contains 200 to 300 mg of caffeine. Along with chest pain, you may also develop convulsions, hallucinations, fever, a rapid heart rate, vomiting and dizziness from caffeine overdose, according to MedlinePlus.
Considerations
If you develop shortness of breath, excessive sweating and a pain that radiates down your left arm, you may be experiencing a heart attack. Because caffeine is a stimulant drug that can cause an increase in your heart rate, you may have a heart attack after consuming caffeine.
