Coffee/Caffeine & Allergies

[Doctor Z]

So, I'll start off by saying that every spring I get debilitating seasonal allergies... Like, not your typical sniffles that the average person can take Claritin for and feel fine. I'm talking every May, I get knocked on my ass for about 4 weeks. I develop asthmatic symptoms, lose sleep, the works...

Now I don't know if I'm imagining this, but I've found that a cup or two of black coffee seems to alleviate (not eliminate), but alleviate my symptoms. Is there any science to this? Or am I just crazy? I've Google'd it, but I when I type in "coffee and allergies" I only get stuff about being allergic TO coffee. I know caffeine is a stimulant, which encourages the production of certain body chemicals, but I have no idea if there's any connection to my allergies. Has anyone else found coffee to be helpful with their allergies?

[Chigworthy]

I think stimulants can act as decongestants.

[~Katja~]

So, I'll start off by saying that every spring I get debilitating seasonal allergies... Like, not your typical sniffles that the average person can take Claritin for and feel fine. I'm talking every May, I get knocked on my ass for about 4 weeks. I develop asthmatic symptoms, lose sleep, the works...

Now I don't know if I'm imagining this, but I've found that a cup or two of black coffee seems to alleviate (not eliminate), but alleviate my symptoms. Is there any science to this? Or am I just crazy? I've Google'd it, but I when I type in "coffee and allergies" I only get stuff about being allergic TO coffee. I know caffeine is a stimulant, which encourages the production of certain body chemicals, but I have no idea if there's any connection to my allergies. Has anyone else found coffee to be helpful with their allergies?

I know drinking fresh coke always has helped me ease asthmatic symptoms a bit if I did not have antihistamines around.

I don't think there is much scientific studies around but it is a known benefit of caffeine


google Caffeine and Asthma relief and you find an abundance of articles and posts
like this (http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/coffee_offers_emergency_asthma_relief.php)

[jessicaduh]

yeah, coffee helps with asthma if you don't have a rescue inhaler handy. it's not a perfect substitute, but it eases symptoms slightly.

it's also helpful when you can't afford your ADHD meds.

[BinaryTaoist]

Well... coffee beans also are packed with anti-oxidants; in fact, coffee is the #1 source of anti-oxidant consumption in the United States.

While anti-oxidants are usually associated with heart disease, you'll find a little bit of research that show they might also help with controlling allergy symptoms due to the inflammation factor...

*edit: Ya know acupuncture is quite helpful for transitioning from one season to the next... just sayin.

[Doctor Z]

Interesting find, BT.

[CofyCrakCocaine]

You're missing a vital sinus clearing ingredient here.

[Thebazile78]

So, I'll start off by saying that every spring I get debilitating seasonal allergies... Like, not your typical sniffles that the average person can take Claritin for and feel fine. I'm talking every May, I get knocked on my ass for about 4 weeks. I develop asthmatic symptoms, lose sleep, the works...

Now I don't know if I'm imagining this, but I've found that a cup or two of black coffee seems to alleviate (not eliminate), but alleviate my symptoms. Is there any science to this? Or am I just crazy? I've Google'd it, but I when I type in "coffee and allergies" I only get stuff about being allergic TO coffee. I know caffeine is a stimulant, which encourages the production of certain body chemicals, but I have no idea if there's any connection to my allergies. Has anyone else found coffee to be helpful with their allergies?

Absofrigginlutely caffeine works to help with the symptoms.

My kid brother had ridiculously bad allergies when he was a kid but we found half a cup of coffee with his regular allergy meds (he was taking the brand-name Nasalcrom before it was OTC) made it easier for him to breathe.

Dr. Steve has commented that coffee works fine in a pinch (I use it myself if I have any breathing troubles b/c I don't have a current rescue inhaler 'scrip)

And I've also taken advantage of the stimulant effects of caffeine (usually coffee over cola because I loathe cola) to boost a dose of Advil if I get bad headaches (or cramps.)

It's not coincidental and it makes perfect sense.