The range at which people can suffer caffeine allergy symptoms is quite wide. They vary from breathing difficulties, swelling around the face, tingly feelings in the tongue and itchy skin to people suffering mental health disorders, all depending on the individuals level of tolerance.
Caffeine is commonly found in our everyday food and drink supply in coffee, tea, cola and other soft drinks. It is also widely used in sport to increase mental alertness and to increase heart rate, ultimately giving its user an increase in mental agility and reducing the effects of fatigue. It will also induce a higher metabolism rate, resulting in weight loss. People who consume a lot of coffee in the workplace sometimes have diminutive reactions like headaches.
Another allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, which results in a decrease in blood flow, reducing the amount of oxygen getting to the brain. A severe case could require an adrenaline injection if the body goes into anaphylactic shock.
Caffeine has also been linked to the misdiagnosis of anxiety and depression. People not knowing they have allergies and have not been tested for allergy symptoms have been misdiagnosed with both anxiety and depression and even admitted to psychiatric hospitals, after having panic attacks.
However and more seriously, proper diagnosis has indicated that caffeine has triggered schizophrenia.
Other signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- Eczema
- Asthma
- Swallowing problems
- Lip Swelling
- Hives
Treatment for Allergies
Treatments for people diagnosed as being allergic to caffeine include the use of bronchodilators for asthmatic and severe breathing difficulties, and the obvious avoidance of foods which contain caffeine.
Conclusion
For the every day coffee lover, caffeine has little effect on the body when consumed moderately. In extreme cases, symptoms of caffeine allergy, people are advised to seek medical advice.
