User:Sam coultis/Caffeine allergies

Caffeine Allergy is an allergic reaction to the drug 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine that is found in several different foods and drink. In the event of a caffeine allergy, an individual may experience a severe and sometimes life-threatening reaction to the ingestion of any type of caffeine. Unlike caffeine intolerance, people suffering with this type of allergy cannot consume even minute amounts of caffeine without endangering their physical and emotional well-being.

Because caffeine allergy is not that well known by doctors, it is overlooked as a cause of a developed sensitivity, and an allergy. In general, it is largely overlooked because there are approximately seven cases of caffeine allergy in the medical literature.

Symptoms
Caffeine allergy symptoms range from a minor rash to life threatening seizures. The severity of the reaction depends on what the person is actually allergic to and to what extent a person is allergic. Most Common Allergic Reactions to Caffeine:


 * Skin problems such as hives, eczema, rashes, acne, severe itching
 * Headaches/migraines
 * Anxiety and panic attacks
 * Can’t focus or concentrate
 * Tongue, glands, or throat swelling
 * Heart racing/palpitations
 * Angry, irritable, bad mood
 * Fatigue
 * Dizziness
 * Extreme jitters
 * Chest Pain
 * Depression
 * Numbness in face, hands, or feet
 * Muscle pain
 * Shortness of breath/tightness of chest
 * Delusions/hallucinations
 * Flu/cold like symptoms
 * Vision problems
 * Cold sweats
 * Eyes swollen shut

People with Caffeine allergy may also experience, mania, frantic behavior and other symptoms that closely resembles mental disorders. Due to these symptoms, caffeine allergy can be mistaken as depression, obsessive compulsive, schizophrenia, attention deficit order (ADD), manic depressive or bipolar disorder. Clearly, caffeine allergy is a very serious condition that needs attention. Other Symptoms including: restlessness, mood swings, inability to focus, over-excitement, agitation. This list is not exclusive.

Causes
The cause of caffeine allergy is often related to substance abuse and tolerance. As a person’s caffeine intake increases, his tolerance to caffeine does too. As a result, excessive caffeine in the body can bring about allergic reactions to caffeine. Thus, when a person with caffeine allergy takes in even just a small amount of caffeine, the substance is rapidly absorbed by the nerves and organs in the body and will trigger the disorder.

Sources and consumption
For more informatiom on Caffeine sources, see internal link on Caffeine - Sources and consumption.

Product / Caffeine (in milligrams) Coffee (6 oz. cup) Cocoa and chocolate Nonprescription drugs
 * Percolated 132
 * Instant regular 64
 * Decaffeinated 3
 * Cola Drinks (12 oz)
 * Coca-Cola Classic 46
 * Tea (5 min. brew, 6 oz) 24-60
 * Cocoa beverage (water mix, 6 oz) 18
 * Milk chocolate candy bar (8 oz) 48
 * Baking chocolate (1 oz) 35
 * White chocolate 0
 * Carob (chocolate substitute) 0

Treatments
Like with all types of food allergies, there is no cure for a caffeine allergy. An individual who believes that he/she may be suffering from this condition should consult with a doctor. Like most Allergies, mild caffeine allergy reactions can be treated with over the counter (OTC) Anti-histamines Or in severe cases of Anaphylaxis, an injection of Adrenaline (epinephrine) is administered.

Diagnosis
Proper clinical diagnosis of the allergy is an important step in recovering from a caffeine allergy. An allergist will use a sample of your blood and your skin to determine how your body reacts to the substance. Caffeine will be introduced into your blood in a laboratory to observe any reaction. If your blood creates immunoglobulin E antibodies, you are allergic to caffeine. Caffeine may also be injected under the top layer of your skin to see if your skin develops a rash.