Coffee Allergy

Coffee allergy is an allergic reaction to coffee that comes from the body's immune system reacting and producing antibodies to something in the coffee.

You might be having a reaction to the caffeine in the coffee.It could be from the coffee proteins. That's right coffee contains proteins. While it's only.3 grams per 8 oz cup, there's a chance that the immune system set it's forces to fight the offending substance.

Coffee allergies might also be reactoins to the tannins in the coffee or simply the herbicides and pesticides used when growing the beans. Maybe it's not the coffee at all but what you put into it that makes you sick. If you use dairy products, you might have lactose intolerance. It could be from a reaction to the non-dairy items you put in your coffee. The only way you'll know is by going to an allergist.

While most of these problems might cause discomfort, most are not lethal. Lactose intolerance from additives to your coffee makes you have cramps and bloating. A reaction to the caffeine gives you the shakes, irritability and insomnia. In very rare cases, it causes you to have a true allergic reaction with rashes, facial swelling and difficulty breathing. A reaction to the tannin in coffee includes on huge headache. Tannin is in red wine and if you've ever had a red wine hangover headache, you know the feeling of tannin sensitivity.

A true coffee allergy isn't something to ignore. Each exposure to the offending beverage creates a more dramatic reaction as the immune system sets out more forces to fight the offending protein. While a true coffee allergy isn't common, it does occur and like any allergic reaction can have life threatening results.

Coffee Allergy and Sensitivity Symptoms

Just like any allergic reaction, there are different symptoms for every person. Some people feel nauseas while others have itchy skin with minor blistering. A severe reaction may occur within minutes and includes the swelling of the tongue, runny nose, vomiting, coughing, wheezing, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, shock and finally death if there isn't emergency treatment. Luckily, this type of reaction occurs very seldom.

Some reactions to coffee mimic mental illness. The caffeine stimulates the body and masks the allergic symptoms. It increases adrenaline and that breaks down. As it does, it often produces the same symptoms as schizophrenia.

A study by Dr. McManamy and Dr. Schube show that caffeine allergies may produce states of mania and delirium. Occasionally mental patients simply require the removal of coffee from the diet, instead of high-powered psychotropic drugs. The cause is from an allergic reaction that creates a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Most people simply are sensitive to coffee. They find themselves with the shakes, a headache or simply a rotten mood if they've consumed more than their body can handle easily. While this type of sensitivity makes for a few hours of discomfort, it isn't life changing or threatening and wears off quickly.

Coffee Mold Allergy

Just like any food, coffee beans can mold in the right conditions. The mold may create allergic reactions in people with sensitivity. Coffee mold reactions are uncommon because most people purchase their coffee in resealable, metallic containers. However, if you have a mold allergy and find that drinking coffee sets it into motion, consider dumping the beans and purchasing new ones.

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