Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCoffee and AsthmaBenefitsRisksRecommendations
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Coffee and Asthma
Benefits
Risks
Recommendations
Coffee may have asthma benefits because caffeine and other components in coffee appear to dilate the airways and reduce respiratory muscle fatigue.
Studies show that caffeine has a similar effect as a weak bronchodilator (a type of medication that makes breathing easier), which can temporarily relieve and improve lung function for up to two to four hours after consumption.
However, coffee will not bring quick relief or have a strong effect that bronchodilators, such as albuterol, provide.It is not a replacement for medically prescribed asthma treatment.
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In the United States, about 25 million people have asthma, which is one in 13 Americans (about 8% of adults and 7% of children). Statistically, women appear to have asthma more than men.
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages across the globe. In the United States, the average consumption is about three cups per day, and nine out of 10 adults choose to drink a cup at breakfast.
Caffeine and othermethylxanthinesfound in coffee are weakbronchodilators.Bronchodilators relax the smooth muscle in the airways.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America notes that caffeine can have a small and temporary effect on improving lung function for two to four hours after consumption.As it can affect lung function, you may be advised to refrain from caffeine for four hours before alung function test.
But if you are having anasthma attack, you need a strong and fast-acting rescue bronchodilator, like albuterol.Coffee is not a substitutefor these life-saving medications.
Apart from acting as a weak bronchodilator, caffeine has several therapeutic effects that also reduce respiratory muscle fatigue.
A study found that the consumption of caffeine prior to exercising may reduce the symptoms of asthma.Yet, the dose required to alleviate asthma is so high that it causes significant side effects that can even be life-threatening.
Drinking coffee—regular or decaf—also has a protective effect on the liver enzymes, according to researchers, and dark roast coffee decreases breakage in DNA strands, which can lead to cancer.
Risks and Side Effects
If you consume more than 400 milligrams of caffeine, its effects on the body may include:
Check with your healthcare provider to determine if you should limit your intake of caffeine for the following conditions:
In addition to coffee, you should be aware of several other beverages that may contain caffeine:
Beverage (12 ounces)Caffeine milligrams (mg)Coffee113 mg to 247 mgEnergy drinks41 mg to 246 mgCaffeinated soft drinks23 mg to 83 mgBlack tea71 mgGreen tea37 mgDecaf coffee2 mgHerbal tea0 mgThe level of caffeine in your blood peaks within one hour of eating or drinking caffeine, and stays at this level for several hours for most people. You may still feel the effects of caffeine four to six hours after consuming it.Coffee Consumption With AsthmaConsuming coffee in low to moderate amounts is safe if you have asthma but it should not be used as a replacement for asthma treatment.If you are scheduled to take apulmonary function test(PFP) that determines the severity of your asthma, avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks because small amounts can lead to incorrect test results.Because caffeine has a temporary effect on the lungs, test results may look better than they actually are. If you are scheduled for a pulmonary function test avoid drinking coffee for at least four hours.SummaryCoffee is a common beverage that many people drink each day. Studies have shown that it can mildly reduce asthma symptoms because it acts as a weak bronchodilator. However, these effects are small and temporary, lasting two to four hours.Although coffee has antioxidant properties and reduces the risk of some medical conditions, too much coffee and caffeine can have risks and side effects. You can enjoy your morning or afternoon coffee in moderation, but it is not a replacement for your prescribed medication to treat asthma.
The level of caffeine in your blood peaks within one hour of eating or drinking caffeine, and stays at this level for several hours for most people. You may still feel the effects of caffeine four to six hours after consuming it.
Coffee Consumption With Asthma
Consuming coffee in low to moderate amounts is safe if you have asthma but it should not be used as a replacement for asthma treatment.
If you are scheduled to take apulmonary function test(PFP) that determines the severity of your asthma, avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks because small amounts can lead to incorrect test results.
Because caffeine has a temporary effect on the lungs, test results may look better than they actually are. If you are scheduled for a pulmonary function test avoid drinking coffee for at least four hours.
Summary
Coffee is a common beverage that many people drink each day. Studies have shown that it can mildly reduce asthma symptoms because it acts as a weak bronchodilator. However, these effects are small and temporary, lasting two to four hours.
Although coffee has antioxidant properties and reduces the risk of some medical conditions, too much coffee and caffeine can have risks and side effects. You can enjoy your morning or afternoon coffee in moderation, but it is not a replacement for your prescribed medication to treat asthma.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.AAFA explains: will coffee or caffeinated drinks help my asthma?Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma facts and figures.The National Coffee Association.NCA releases atlas of American coffee.Wee JH, Yoo DM, Byun SH, et al.Analysis of the relationship between asthma and coffee/green tea/soda intake.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(20):7471. doi:10.3390/ijerph17207471Welsh EJ, Bara A, Barley E, Cates CJ.Caffeine for asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2010;2010(1):CD001112. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001112.pub2VanHaitsma TA, Mickleborough T, Stager JM, Koceja DM, Lindley MR, Chapman R.Comparative effects of caffeine and albuterol on the bronchoconstrictor response to exercise in asthmatic athletes.Int J Sports Med. 2010;31(04):231-236.Johns Hopkins Medicine.9 reasons why (the right amount of) coffee Is good for you.MedlinePlus.Caffeine.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.AAFA explains: will coffee or caffeinated drinks help my asthma?Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma facts and figures.The National Coffee Association.NCA releases atlas of American coffee.Wee JH, Yoo DM, Byun SH, et al.Analysis of the relationship between asthma and coffee/green tea/soda intake.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(20):7471. doi:10.3390/ijerph17207471Welsh EJ, Bara A, Barley E, Cates CJ.Caffeine for asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2010;2010(1):CD001112. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001112.pub2VanHaitsma TA, Mickleborough T, Stager JM, Koceja DM, Lindley MR, Chapman R.Comparative effects of caffeine and albuterol on the bronchoconstrictor response to exercise in asthmatic athletes.Int J Sports Med. 2010;31(04):231-236.Johns Hopkins Medicine.9 reasons why (the right amount of) coffee Is good for you.MedlinePlus.Caffeine.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.AAFA explains: will coffee or caffeinated drinks help my asthma?Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma facts and figures.The National Coffee Association.NCA releases atlas of American coffee.Wee JH, Yoo DM, Byun SH, et al.Analysis of the relationship between asthma and coffee/green tea/soda intake.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(20):7471. doi:10.3390/ijerph17207471Welsh EJ, Bara A, Barley E, Cates CJ.Caffeine for asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2010;2010(1):CD001112. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001112.pub2VanHaitsma TA, Mickleborough T, Stager JM, Koceja DM, Lindley MR, Chapman R.Comparative effects of caffeine and albuterol on the bronchoconstrictor response to exercise in asthmatic athletes.Int J Sports Med. 2010;31(04):231-236.Johns Hopkins Medicine.9 reasons why (the right amount of) coffee Is good for you.MedlinePlus.Caffeine.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.AAFA explains: will coffee or caffeinated drinks help my asthma?
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma facts and figures.
The National Coffee Association.NCA releases atlas of American coffee.
Wee JH, Yoo DM, Byun SH, et al.Analysis of the relationship between asthma and coffee/green tea/soda intake.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(20):7471. doi:10.3390/ijerph17207471
Welsh EJ, Bara A, Barley E, Cates CJ.Caffeine for asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2010;2010(1):CD001112. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001112.pub2
VanHaitsma TA, Mickleborough T, Stager JM, Koceja DM, Lindley MR, Chapman R.Comparative effects of caffeine and albuterol on the bronchoconstrictor response to exercise in asthmatic athletes.Int J Sports Med. 2010;31(04):231-236.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.9 reasons why (the right amount of) coffee Is good for you.
MedlinePlus.Caffeine.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?
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