Ingesting too much caffeine may cause your breathing rate to increase, but it will not cause your throat to swell. Caffeine overdose can occur when you consume more caffeine than your body can handle, but it does not lead to your throat closing. Because coffee is one of the most caffeinated beverages you can drink, if you are allergic to the substance, you may develop a severe allergic reaction shortly after drinking coffee. Avoid coffee consumption until you can be seen by your doctor.
Coffee and Caffeine
The caffeine content in an average cup of coffee can vary greatly depending on the type of bean, how the bean is roasted and how it is prepared. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the average 8 oz. cup of brewed coffee contains about 133 mg of caffeine, the average 8 oz. cup of instant coffee contains about 93 mg of caffeine and the average 8 oz. cup of decaffeinated coffee contains about 5 mg of caffeine. The average 1 oz. shot of espresso contains about 30 mg of caffeine. Drugs.com recommends consuming less than 1,000 mg of caffeine in a 24-hour period. Caffeine is also found in colas, energy drinks, medications and chocolate.
Caffeine Overdose
It’s possible to consume too much caffeine, which can lead to an overdose. National Institutes of Health online medical encyclopedia Medline Plus states that common symptoms of caffeine overdose include fever, convulsions, muscle twitching, seizures, diarrhea, increased heart rate, uneven heartbeats, vomiting, dizziness and hallucinations. Throat swelling is not a symptom of caffeine overdose. Overdosing on caffeine may require emergency medical attention and hospitalization. If you suspect that you’ve ingested too much caffeine, call poison control for further instructions. Do not attempt to make yourself vomit or any other measures to remove the caffeine from your body.
Throat Swelling Cause
If you’re allergic to caffeine, you can develop throat swelling within a few minutes of drinking coffee. Even a small amount of caffeine can cause your body to overreact and develop life-threatening symptoms. During an allergic reaction to caffeine, your immune system malfunctions and attacks the substance with immunoglobulin E antibodies, according to MayoClinic.com. The antibodies communicate with white blood cells that produce histamine, a chemical that attempts protect the body from infection. Too much histamine released in soft tissues causes inflammation and swelling.
Concerns
Swelling of the throat after drinking coffee is a concerning symptom. As the throat swells, it cuts off your ability to breathe normally, which can lead to further complications. Other signs of a severe allergic reaction to caffeine may include hives, facial swelling, tongue swelling, lip swelling, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, lightheadedness, pale skin, dizziness, a rapid heart rate, a drop in blood pressure and shock. If you develop one or more of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
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