Many people drink a cup of coffee to help them wake up in the morning. Given the number of people consuming caffeine every day, it can be difficult to think that caffeine allergy is a real thing. While most people consume the stimulant without problems, others may experience diarrhea, chills, insomnia and other symptoms. This may be due to over-consumption (more than 400 mg of caffeine in about four cups of coffee a day). However, some can only occur after a cup of coffee (95 mg caffeine). Negative reactions to a modest amount of caffeine may be due to intolerance to a non-allergic food or, less commonly, due to an allergic response of the immune system, like all other food allergies.

Caffeine Allergy or Caffeine Intolerance?

When a person consumes caffeine, it is absorbed in the intestines into the bloodstream. It then affects the way different organs work. Caffeine can increase adrenaline levels in the blood, making the brain and body more alert. While caffeine is safe for most people, some people have caffeine intolerance or allergies. Caffeine affects different people in different ways. The effects of caffeine on the body of an allergic person are not the same as those that are not tolerated. You may be fully aware of how caffeine affects you, but it can be difficult to know immediately whether you and your doctor are suffering from food allergy or intolerance. But there are some important details that are worth knowing.

Caffeine Intolerance

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the brain and the central nervous system, making people feel more alert and focused. Many drink coffee during the working day, because they make them more productive. Potentially, though, a food intolerance is rarely serious. Nonetheless, food intolerance, also known as non-IgE-mediated food hypersensitivity or non-allergic food sensitivity, refers to some of the challenges of digesting food rather than allergies. Food intolerance usually results from the lack of a specific enzyme needed to metabolize a specific feeder (such as lactose). When a food cannot be digested, symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, spasm and abdominal pain can easily occur.

With regard to caffeine, intolerance often results from its impact on the endocrine system. Caffeine suppresses a chemical messenger called adenosine, which, when consumed, stimulates adrenaline production that triggers the adı war or escape ır response. When excessively secreted, adrenalin can cause tremor, insomnia, dizziness, flushing, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, sweat and stomach discomfort. If there is an underlying food intolerance, the symptoms can grow and cause visible distress.

People who are sensitive experience the following when caffeine is consumed:

* Fast heartbeat

* anxiety

* Shivering

* Headache

* Sleeping problem

* Stomach pain

People with these symptoms may have a non-allergic food intolerance to caffeine. Intolerance is different from having caffeine allergy. Caffeine allergy is rare and the symptoms of caffeine allergy are more severe than the symptoms of intolerance.

Caffeine Allergy

Caffeine; coffee beans, tea leaves and cocoa shells. It is consumed in coffee, tea and chocolate all over the world . About 90 percent of people in North America consume caffeine every day. Caffeine allergy develops when the immune system incorrectly identifies caffeine as a harmful substance and releases an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) into the bloodstream. The antibody stimulates cells to secrete histamine. Thus, inflammation of the body, dilation of blood vessels, rash, itching, hives (urticaria) or swelling (edema) development is triggered. Skin rashes are perhaps the main distinguishing features between a caffeine intolerance and a caffeine allergy.

In addition to the dermatological symptoms of caffeine allergy, other features in the table are:

* Anxiety

* Chest pain

* Cold sweats

* Dizziness

* Fatigue

* Headache

* Heart palpitations

* Joint pain

* Muscle aches

Unlike some allergies, respiratory symptoms are rare.

Food intolerance and caffeine allergies may occur at any time between several minutes to two hours with various symptoms. In rare cases, rapidly developing, life-threatening allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis may occur. Symptoms of an anaphylactic shock may include:

* swelling of the face including eyes, lips, face and tongue

* Difficulty in breathing because of facial swelling

* Speech difficulty

* Cricket

* Coughing

* Nausea, abdominal pain or vomiting

* Fast heart beat

* Dizziness

What are the risk factors?

As with other allergies, the underlying causes of a caffeine allergy are largely unknown. Some scientific studies have shown that genetics causes an increased risk of people with a mutation of the adenosine A 2A (ADORA2A) gene. It is also possible that some fungi in processed coffee or tea leaves cause an allergic reaction that is not related to caffeine. Most of these fungi produce mycotoxins, which the body recognizes as a biological threat.

How is it diagnosed?

It is difficult to diagnose caffeine allergies only with symptoms. Allergy testing is usually required to determine if the causal agent (allergen) is caffeine or other related component, even if a rash or hives develop. The allergy skin test and IgE antibody blood tests are the fastest and most effective way to diagnose a caffeine allergy. Genetic tests can be used to identify mutations that are less common in the ADORA2A gene (the gene that is free to be associated with Parkinson’s disease). Positive tests will show caffeine allergy, whereas negative results will show intolerance.

How is the treatment done?

Coffee and caffeine-containing tea, cola, chocolate, sports drinks, some headache medications and non-prescription stimulants should not be taken if the allergy or intolerance is chronic and relatively mild. Product labels should be read carefully if there is any doubt about the product to be used. Even a product with the label ere Decaf-free ere may contain trace amounts of caffeine that can fit the central nervous system, especially in sensitive individuals. If allergy symptoms develop, over-the-counter oral antihistamines can usually help. However, no matter what the doctor should not take the drug without a recommendation. In chronic or recurrent allergies, allergy medications used by the doctor to relieve the person of the allergen are prescribed.

Coping with Caffeine Allergy

As with many other items, the cessation of caffeine may cause headache, fatigue and irritability. In severe cases, nausea and flu-like symptoms may occur. Comprehensive studies on the subject showed that the worst symptoms occurred after 21 to 50 hours of caffeine uptake and lasted up to nine days.

To get rid of caffeine with the least stress, you can:

Start the day with a decaffeinated drink. Caffeine, which contains up to 18 milligrams of caffeine, should not be used. Prefer hot water instead of herbal tea, warm apple juice or a glass of lemon It should be. Alternatively, it is possible to find decaffeinated products made from roasted bitterness kernels, which taste coffee.

Drink water throughout the day: Drink plenty of water to reduce the craving for cola or caffeinated energy drinks. Those who are accustomed to coke will get rid of getting too much sugar after drinking plenty of water.

Walking or exercising: a long walk or regular exercise will give the body plenty of oxygen and support when it is exhausted. Even a 20-minute training will help the heart, stimulate endorphin production that improves mood and increases alertness.

Taking time to rest: If you are accustomed to drinking too much caffeine, your body is deprived of stimulants for a few days. The extra time for extra sleep and relaxation will make it easier to clean the caffeine.

Emergency Room

Caffeine allergy can cause anaphylactic shock in very rare cases If symptoms develop rapidly and the body develops common rashes ; If untreated, anaphylaxis advances rapidly and death can occur due to shock, coma, heart or respiratory failure. Anaphylactic shock can be treated with an epinephrine injection. Persons with severe allergies should have a special epinephrine pen to manage the condition and should immediately contact the emergency department if they use it.