Coffee allergy: signs, diagnosis, treatment

Hot coffee from the morning helps to finally wake up and cheer up before the work day. And who would have thought that even for this many favorite beverage there can be an unforeseen reaction of the organism in the form of, for example, rash, sneezing, stuffy nose and even migraine. It turns out that coffee causes allergies in the same way as many other foods.

Let's talk about why this happens, what factors contribute to this process, whether there are ways to get rid of the problem.

What is an allergy?

Allergies are usually called a hypersensitive reaction of the body to certain types of pathogens, which have been called "allergens."

In the normal state, the immune system produces antibodies to fight against parasites, bacteria and harmful viruses. This is necessary to provide a protective function. In case of failures, the body begins to produce antibodies and if allergens get into it, which leads to the release of mediators (one of them is histamine). As a result, there are rashes and stains on the hands, face or other parts of the body, as well as other signs of allergy, such as frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, swelling, lacrimation, redness and itching in the eyes, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and others.

The appearance of such a reaction can be triggered by the use of certain foods, chemicals, pollen of plants, animal hair, contact allergens (jewelry, perfume) and so on. The most common is food allergy.

Could there be an allergy to coffee?

In today's world, many can not even imagine their lives without coffee. This drink excellently invigorates and gives energy, and for people suffering from low blood pressure, and at all is a kind of panacea. Nevertheless, there is an allergy to coffee, during which its use leads to unpleasant symptoms. Most often this happens in those people who drink a drink in excessive quantities.

Let us dwell on the questions about how coffee allergy is manifested, why it happens, and whether there are ways to deal with such a nuisance.

The causes of the allergy to coffee

It starts with the fact that an allergy to coffee can manifest itself in both its types: both soluble and natural. In the first case, this will be due to the presence in the drink of various additives and dyes. This means that the body's reaction is not to the drink as a whole, but to its individual components.

In the case of natural coffee, chlorogenic acid, which is contained in grains, can provoke the appearance of an allergy. This is due to the individual intolerance of the body.

Also, there may be a side effect on caffeine, present in the drink in large quantities.

It is important to remember one detail: an allergy to coffee does not appear suddenly. This happens only if there are co-factors that lead to an aggravation of the situation. To them it is possible to carry:

• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Problems with metabolism;
• Diseases of the liver and other organs that perform the function of filters;
• Kidney and pancreas diseases;
• Disturbances in the functioning of the immune system.

Therefore, when confirming that the allergic reaction was due to the use of coffee, it would be a good idea to undergo a medical examination. This will help to identify and correct possible problems in time. And along with them, the allergy to your favorite fragrant drink disappears.

Symptoms of coffee allergy

What special signs are accompanied by an allergy to coffee? Symptoms can be varied.

The main ones are exactly the same as during allergic reactions to any other product: rashes, redness and spots on the hands, face or other parts of the body, itching, hives. In addition, there may be coughing and shortness of breath, nasal congestion, multiple sneezing. Possible disruptions in the digestive system, which will be accompanied by pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence.

In severe form, coffee allergy may be accompanied by the appearance of chills, headaches, palpitations, choking, Quincke's edema.

Diagnosis of allergies

To confirm the diagnosis, you need to contact the allergological center. In the laboratory, it will be possible to determine its nature and establish the fact that the reaction of the organism was caused precisely by food products. That's just to determine the real culprits, it will take some time.

The first thing that needs to be done is to reduce the number of meals consumed. This will help to identify the cause of the allergy in the shortest possible time. Employees who work in an organization such as an allergic center are advised to start keeping a diary. In it, you must make all the products that were taken for food. You need to do this every day, indicating absolutely all the food.

If it was found that the allergy that has arisen - on coffee, it is necessary to conduct a final test. To do this, drink a cup of the drink and take an antihistamine. If there is an allergy, the symptoms will disappear soon and the relief will come.

What else have to give up?

If there is an allergy to natural coffee, you will have to limit the use of other products that contain chlorogenic acid in their composition. These are apples, blueberries, aubergines, barberry, sorrel, sunflower seeds, potatoes. It should be taken into account that chlorogenic acid itself is not a dangerous substance. Individual reaction of the body usually arises from excessive consumption of it in food.

Caffeine is more or less present in dark ice cream, analgesics, diet pills, energy drinks, non-alcoholic cocktails, chocolate, Coca-Cola, cocoa.

It is also important to consider that there is a relationship between the two types of allergies: coffee and beans. Therefore, the second should be abandoned at least for the duration of treatment. In particular, this applies to green peas and beans.

In addition, the ban contains meat purines and tobacco smoke, whose composition is similar to caffeine.

Treatment of allergies to coffee

The first stage of treatment involves the elimination of the allergen from the diet, in this case coffee. To quickly eliminate unpleasant symptoms, a course of taking antihistamines is prescribed, and external signs in the form of rash, skin flaking, redness are treated with special ointments and gels.

To remove allergic substances from the body, it is usually recommended to take sorbents. This will also reduce the body's reaction to hot coffee, if a person still can not refuse it. In parallel with sorbents it is desirable to start taking drugs that eliminate the development of dysbacteriosis.

If an allergy to coffee provoked malfunctions in the digestive system, then as a symptomatic therapy is prescribed the intake of enzymes that improve the work of the digestive tract.

It is important to remember that it is impossible to cure an allergy. Therefore, the only way to avoid it in the future is to comply with certain rules.

Prevention of the emergence of coffee allergies

The main and most effective way to prevent the emergence of coffee allergy is its complete exclusion from its diet. Though in this plan it is necessary to consider and individual features of an organism. For example, if some people react after the first drink, then others can afford to drink one or two cups without any visible consequences. The main thing in the second case is not to overdo it, since the reaction occurs as a result of an overdose of allergens. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the use of the drink to a minimum.

The methods of prevention can also include carrying out a complete examination of the body to identify diseases of the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract and so on. This has already been mentioned above, so we will not repeat it.

Another point concerns the so-called green coffee, which contains in its composition small doses of tannins and caffeine. Despite the safety of the drink, referred to in the advertisement, it remains banned for allergies. This is due to the high concentration of chlorogenic acid in it.

How to replace your favorite refreshing drink?

This issue remains open to those who are accustomed to waking up only thanks to coffee. But, as we know, there is nothing irreplaceable. For example, fresh and orange juice or green tea can give vivacity and energy. If there is no allergy to caffeine, you can replace it with hot chocolate.

For those who can not refuse the taste of coffee, modern producers offer a decaffeinated drink option (although it is contained there, but in very small doses) or the root of chicory.

Another great way to finally wake up and cheer up is by taking a contrast shower. Among other things, this procedure is very useful for any person.

Despite the fact that coffee allergy is rare, it does not make its symptoms less unpleasant. Therefore, it is important to recognize it in time and give up your favorite drink or replace it with something similar.

Be healthy!