Coffee is a beloved beverage for millions of people around the world and can have a number of beneficial health effects. But for those living with asthma, it may be a different story. Coffee has been linked to an increase in the severity of asthma symptoms, a heightened risk of an asthma attack, and the likelihood of complications.
The Harvard School of Public Health’s website defines asthma as an inflammatory disorder of the airways that is caused by several factors, such as environmental triggers, sensitivities, inflammation, and genetics. According to their report, people with asthma may be more sensitive to caffeine and other rising agents, such as chocolate, that are occasionally present in coffee.
Although the jury is still out on whether caffeine exacerbates asthma, some doctors advise people with asthma to avoid it as an extra precaution. Dr. Kartik Ananth, a pediatric allergist and immunologist at Children’s Colorado in Aurora, Colorado, comments: “In my practice, I typically do not advise my patients with asthma to consume caffeine due to its bronchial stimulating properties,” Ananth said. “There is also some evidence to suggest that caffeine can cause an increase in airway inflammation which can result in an asthma attack.”
Dr. Lisa Celner, a pulmonologist from the Medical College of Wisconsin, concurs with Ananth’s assessment. In an article for Asthma.net, Celner notes that caffeine is a stimulant and can relax the muscles in the lungs, leading to increased inflammation of the airways and asthma symptoms. Celner also states that given the potential effects, she doesn’t recommend anyone with asthma to ingest caffeine.
However, some research suggests that, when people with asthma drink moderate amounts of coffee, there is no long-term harm. A study published in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that drinking coffee is not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization or requiring emergency care for asthma episodes. The study surveyed 1,000 people with asthma and asked them to record caffeine intake and subsequent asthma exacerbations. The participants in the study drank on average 6 ounces of coffee a day and reported their asthma symptoms on an app.
Should coffee be completely avoided for asthma?
The research does not suggest that asthma sufferers should avoid coffee and caffeine altogether. Doctors may still advise asthmatics to not drink coffee, but there is evidence to suggest that moderate coffee consumption is safe and may even be beneficial. Research conducted by the National Institutes of Health and published in 2017 supports this. The study found that moderate caffeine consumption decreases the likelihood of asthma exacerbations, and there is no significant difference between coffee and other caffeinated substances.
Dr. Joseph J. Barone, an allergist and immunologist with the Allergy, Asthma, and Sinus Center at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, notes that people with asthma should still be cautious about consuming coffee and caffeine analyte. He suggests that an adult’s caffeine intake should not exceed 400 mg per day, which is equivalent to approximately four cups of coffee. Also, people with asthma should avoid coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages that contain artificial sweeteners.
Barone further advises that if drinking coffee increases asthma symptoms, it is best to limit consumption or try decaffeinated coffee. While it is a personal decision to drink coffee, Barone’s primary concern is that individuals who suffer from asthma should be aware of the potential negative consequences.
Beneficial effects of coffee for asthma
That being said, there are some potential beneficial effects of drinking coffee for people with asthma. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Journal of Nutrition found that drinking one to three cups of coffee per day could reduce the risk of asthma-related hospitalizations in asthmatics by as much as 23%. Additionally, it was shown to decrease the incidence of wheezing attacks in asthmatics by 16%.
However, that study suggested that the beneficial effects of coffee for asthma may only be present at low doses and that higher doses could potentially increase the risk of exacerbations. Therefore, the authors concluded that it is necessary to limit the amount of coffee intake in asthmatics.
Moderate coffee intake and asthma treatment
Lastly, coffee may also play a role in how asthma is managed. Doctors can suggest stay away/avoid triggers, control symptoms, and take action when necessary. Research published in the journal Allergy and Clinical Immunology International noted that caffeinated coffee could help bronchial smooth muscle relaxation, which could potentially lead to reduced airflow obstruction over the long-term.
Acute levels of caffeine may also help relax the airways and reduce inflammation. This could lead to improved pulmonary functions and symptom relief. A study published in 2012 found that a moderate dose of caffeine caffeine in asthmatics helped reduce inflammation and make it easier for air to flow more freely, improving pulmonary functions and shortness of breath.
Nutrition benefits from drinking coffee
Coffee may also have health benefits unrelated to asthma, such as an improvement in antioxidant levels. Coffee is a source of antioxidants that can help combat cell damage from free radical molecules. Additionally, research has found that moderate intakes of coffee may reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
One study published in the British Medical Journal projected that if all UK adults drank one cup of coffee per day, there would be a 7% reduction in deaths from cardiovascular disease. Another study published in 2019 found that regular coffee drinking could reduce the risk of overall mortality by 16%.
Also, coffee can help improve alertness and concentration, which can be beneficial for people with asthma. One study showed that coffee intake enhanced performance on cognitive tasks. If people with asthma can benefit from better concentration and alertness, they may be better equipped to manage their symptoms.
Risks and considerations
While moderate coffee drinking may offer some benefits for asthmatics, there are risks that should be considered. People with asthma should avoid caffeinated coffee if it exacerbates their symptoms, and be aware that it can also interfere with other treatments. Caffeine is a stimulant, and research suggests that high amounts of caffeine could disrupt sleep. In some cases, sleep disruption can result in exacerbations.
Coffee is also acidic, and those with frequent heartburn may find that it aggravates their symptoms. It can also interact with common medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Therefore, people with mental health issues should speak with a healthcare professional before incorporating coffee into their diet.
Advice for asthmatics
Ultimately, the decision to consume coffee for people with asthma is an individual one and should be made with the advice of a medical professional. While there have been some studies that support the consumption of coffee for asthma, some doctors still recommend that adults with asthma avoid it. Adults with asthma can also take advantage of other health benefits from moderate coffee consumption.
For individuals who choose to consume coffee or other caffeinated products, they should follow an allergist or doctor’s advice. It is important to remember that the effects of coffee may vary from one person to the next and it might be beneficial to keep track of consumption and the symptoms that occur. Lastly, it is important to consider the potential risks, such as developing an addiction or exacerbating symptoms, and to discuss these risks with a healthcare provider.
