Asthma: Why Caffeine Can Make it Worse
New report shows how coffee consumption can actually make your asthma worse
| Comments on article "Asthma: Why Caffeine Can Make it Worse" |
| Name |
Views and Comments | Date |
| confused |
BACKGROUND: Caffeine has a variety of pharmacological effects. It is chemically related to the drug theophylline which is used to treat asthma. Accordingly, interest has been expressed in its potential role as an asthma treatment. A number of studies have explored the effects of caffeine in asthma, this is the first review to systematically examine and summarise the evidence. OBJECTIVES: Caffeine is a weak bronchodilator and it also reduces respiratory muscle fatigue. It has been suggested that caffeine may reduce asthma symptoms. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of caffeine on lung function and identify whether there is a need to control for caffeine consumption prior to lung function testing. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register and the reference lists of articles. We also contacted study authors. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of oral caffeine compared to placebo in adults with asthma. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial quality assessment and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers. MAIN RESULTS: Six trials involving a total of 55 people were included. The studies were all of cross-over design and of high quality. In comparison with placebo, caffeine appears to improve lung function for up to two hours after consumption. Forced expiratory volume in one minute showed a small improvement up to two hours after caffeine use (standardised mean difference -0.73, 95% confidence interval -1.20 to -0.25). Mid-expiratory flow rates also showed a small improvement with caffeine and this was sustained up to four hours. An updated search in June 2001 did not identify any further studies. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine appears to improve airways function modestly in people with asthma for up to four hours. People may need to avoid caffeine for at least four hours prior to lung function testing |
12/5/2009 |
| Kev |
Yet caffeine is a bronchaldilator and can provide mild relief for up to four hours in the case of an asthma attack. I have tried this (apparently two cans of coke is the measure!) and have found it helped. Then again, it may have been some kind of placebo effect. Either way, the overall effect was positive. |
11/25/2009 |
| asthma sufferer |
You seem to lack a basic understanding of your subject. Drugs for asthma work by mimicking the body's stress response. Albuterol inhalers used to treat acute onset asthma function like adrenalin and have side effects much stronger than a cup of coffee--lightheadedness, dizziness, and in extreme cases, panic attacks. In comparison, caffeine is a gentler way to treat an acute asthma attack and reduce the bronchospasm and inflammation associated with the condition; in fact it has been recommended by doctors and in herbal remedies for this purpose. |
11/6/2009 |
| Gabriel |
Just wanted to say i'm going through this right now, i've been abusing "coffee energy" but find it to be aggravating to my asthma, not in the dependent sense, but in a more direct way |
8/11/2009 | |
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