Caffeine is commonly used to help you wake up or provide you with increased energy, but if you develop a swollen neck after consuming the substance you will need to call for medical attention. Neck swelling is the result of an extreme allergic reaction that may cut off your ability to breathe and swallow. At the first sign of neck swelling, call 911 for emergency advice. Stop drinking caffeine and ask your doctor about carrying an epinephrine injector on you.
Caffeine Allergy
Caffeine is a drug that affects your central nervous system. The substance is safe when consumed in moderation for most people, but if you have an allergy to caffeine, you may develop life-threatening symptoms. Your blood contains immune system cells that keep the body safe by identifying foreign substances that could pose a threat to the body. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system cells mistake caffeine for a dangerous substance and attempt to fight against the caffeine. The immune system malfunction causes the body to overreact to caffeine, resulting in a wide range of symptoms.
Neck Swelling
When the immune system mistakes caffeine for a harmful substance, it creates immunoglobulin E antibodies, which trigger mast cells in soft tissue to produce histamine and other chemicals. Histamine is a chemical that protects against infection in the body but causes blood vessels to dilate and mucus production to increase. The release of histamine in the soft tissues that surround the neck and throat can become inflamed and swollen from excessive amounts of histamine. Neck swelling is a concerning symptom that should not be taken lightly.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that affects the entire body, which sends the body into a state of shock. Along with throat closure, you may also develop flushed skin, swelling of the lips, stuffy nose, sweating, pale skin, nausea, abdominal cramps, faintness, confusion, wheezing, convulsions, hoarseness, itching in the mouth, the feeling that you need to urinate and passing out, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. If left untreated, this condition can lead to death.
Treatment and Prevention
Allergy testing will clinically provide a diagnosis of a caffeine allergy. If diagnosed with a caffeine allergy, you will need to avoid all foods and beverages that contain caffeine. Caffeine is commonly found in certain medication, chocolate, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, tea and some energy drinks. If you develop a severe allergic reaction to caffeine, you will need an injection of epinephrine, synthetic adrenalin that causes your blood vessels to constrict and your lungs to relax.
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