1 | P a g e

Caffeine Allergy:
Top 20 Symptoms
By Caffeine Informer Staff

Some people have asked if people can be allergic to caffeine. Yes, people
can in some sense allergic to caffeine, but its not a true allergy. And, its not
something a lot of doctors have been known to look for when people are
exhibiting unexplained symptoms.
Sometime ago, we published a short post entitled Yes, You Can Be Allergic
to Caffeine.
That post received hundreds of comments from those who claim to have
experienced some type of adverse reaction to caffeine.
We have painstakingly sifted through all those comments and have derived
the top 20 caffeine allergic reactions in order from most common to least
common.
In most cases these symptoms were reported after only having a little to
moderate amount of caffeine through coffee, tea, soda and/or energy drinks.
2 | P a g e

Most Common Allergic Reactions to Caffeine
1. Skin problems such as hives, eczema, rashes, acne, severe itching.
2. Headaches/ migraines.
3. Anxiety and panic attacks.
4. Cant focus or concentrate
5. Tongue, glands, or throat swelling.
6. Heart racing/ palpitations.
7. Angry, irritable, bad mood.
8. Fatigue.
9. Dizziness.
10. Extreme jitters.
11. Chest Pain.
12. Depression.
13. Numbness in face, hands, or feet.
14. Muscle pain.
15. Shortness of breath/ tightness of chest.
16. Delusions/ hallucinations.
17. Flu/ cold like symptoms.
18. Vision problems.
19. Cold sweats.
20. Eyes swollen shut.
3 | P a g e

Is this Scientific Evidence?
Learn More

Foods that Contain Hidden Caffeine

Caffeine in Your Water Supply?

Energy Drink Side Effects

Caffeine May Cause Gout

Caffeine Overdose Symptoms
There is genetic evidence regarding the inability to process caffeine as some
people lack the genes responsible for this or the genes arent being expressed
as they should be. This allows caffeine to build up in a persons body rather
than being broken down properly.
The above data is entirely based on anecdotal evidence, so dont take it as
gospel or scientific, but rather consider these caffeine allergy symptoms as
possible since they were reported by a large number of people. If a person
suspects a caffeine allergy, he/she should cease caffeine consumption
immediately and then assess as to whether it was indeed the caffeine. The
symptoms should subside after caffeine is eliminated.
Did you know that rutaecarpine can remove caffeine from your system
faster? Find out how here.
There is a fine line between what would be called caffeine sensitivity and what
would be called caffeine allergy, but overall were dealing with the body not
being able to correctly process the caffeine molecule, so whether its called
sensitivity or allergy is up for debate.

Skin rashes are common.
4 | P a g e

Most people on the original article reported several of the above symptoms
and some of the caffeine allergy symptoms were quite bizarre. The symptoms
that were the strangest included itchy ears & anus suffered by one poor soul
and a sweaty butt crack reported by another
Caffeine allergy has also been linked to a form of ADD and dementia in
adults. The claim is that caffeine induced anaphylaxis impairs peoples
abilities to concentrate and remember things. (Src.)
What To Do If You Are Suffering
If youre suffering from the above symptoms try doing a type of elimination
diet.
1. Explore our extensive Caffeine in Food database as well as ourCaffeine
in Beverages database in order to be aware of all the products that have
caffeine listed as an ingredient along with the amount they contain.
2. Eliminate these products from your diet. There may be a period of
caffeine withdrawal where you actually feel worse.
3. Assess whether your symptoms have disappeared. It may take up to 2
weeks for all of caffeines effects to wear off.
Please note: A surprising number of products contain caffeine, and some
have a lot more than what you think.
Even decaffeinated drinks still contain caffeine although only a small
amount such as decaf brewed coffee.
Education is best way to prevent an allergic reaction to caffeine.
Useful?

http://www.caffeineinformer.com/caffeine-allergy-top-20-symptoms