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Caffeine Benefits for Asthma

Asthma is chronic lung disease affecting 20 million Americans, including 6 million children. For mild asthma sufferers, short-term relief from mild intermittent symptoms may be as simple as a cup of strong coffee.

  1. Benefits

    • According to The Cochran Collaboration, caffeine acts as a mild bronchodilator and is chemically similar to theophylline, a drug used to treat asthma. Use of caffeine by study participants resulted in lung function improvements for up to four hours.

    Side Effects

    • Over-consumption of caffeine can cause nervousness, dizziness, increased urination and insomnia; in sensitive individuals, caffeine can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Limit caffeine and cut off consumption early in the day to prevent side effects.

    Cautions

    • Caffeine is not widely considered a suitable alternative to traditional medications for moderate to severe persistent asthma.

    Considerations

    • Theophylline has many of the same side effects as caffeine.

    Bottom Line

    • Seek medical advice before attempting to treat asthma symptoms with caffeine. Do not alter or discontinue medical treatment, especially for moderate to severe asthma, without first consulting a physician.

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