Caffeine for asthma

Abstract

Background Caffeine has a variety of pharmacological effects; it is a weak bronchodilator and it also reduces respiratory muscle fatigue. It is chemically related to the drug theophylline which is used to treat asthma. It has been suggested that caffeine may reduce asthma symptoms and 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 To assess the effects of caffeine on lung function and identify whether there is a need to control for caffeine consumption prior to either lung function or exhaled nitric oxide testing. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register and the reference lists of articles (August 2011). We also contacted study authors. Selection criteria We included randomised trials (RCTs) of oral caffeine compared to placebo or coffee compared to decaffeinated coffee in adults with asthma. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently carried out trial selection, quality assessment and data extraction. Main results We included seven trials involving a total of 75 people with mild to moderate asthma. The studies were all of cross-over design. Six trials involving 55 people showed that in comparison with placebo, caffeine, even at a 'low dose' (less than 5 mg/kg body weight), appears to improve lung function for up to two hours after consumption. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) showed a small improvement up to two hours after caffeine ingestion (standardised mean difference 0.72; 95% confidence interval 0.25 to 1.20),

Early‐life fecal metabolomics of food allergy

“…However, that study did not stratify by breastfeeding status or analyze postpartum caffeine intake, and both that study and our study contrast with reports of inverse associations of caffeine intake with other atopic outcomes including asthma in adults 26–29 . Caffeine may have a different effect on asthma than food allergy due to specific effects on airway smooth muscle 30 . Caffeine is used to treat respiratory conditions including apnea in premature infants, 24,31 though this is unlikely to explain our results, as stool samples were collected starting at age 3 months and the frequency of prematurity was comparable between those with food allergy, sensitization and controls (Table 1).…”

“…[26][27][28][29] Caffeine may have a different effect on asthma than food allergy due to specific effects on airway smooth muscle. 30 Caffeine is used to treat respiratory conditions including apnea in premature infants, 24,31 though this is unlikely to explain our results, as stool samples were collected starting at age 3 months and the frequency of prematurity was comparable between those with food allergy, sensitization and controls (Table 1).…”

Early‐life fecal metabolomics of food allergy

“…However, that study did not stratify by breastfeeding status or analyze postpartum caffeine intake, and both that study and our study contrast with reports of inverse associations of caffeine intake with other atopic outcomes including asthma in adults 26–29 . Caffeine may have a different effect on asthma than food allergy due to specific effects on airway smooth muscle 30 . Caffeine is used to treat respiratory conditions including apnea in premature infants, 24,31 though this is unlikely to explain our results, as stool samples were collected starting at age 3 months and the frequency of prematurity was comparable between those with food allergy, sensitization and controls (Table 1).…”

“…[26][27][28][29] Caffeine may have a different effect on asthma than food allergy due to specific effects on airway smooth muscle. 30 Caffeine is used to treat respiratory conditions including apnea in premature infants, 24,31 though this is unlikely to explain our results, as stool samples were collected starting at age 3 months and the frequency of prematurity was comparable between those with food allergy, sensitization and controls (Table 1).…”

Caffeine Increases Exercise Performance, Maximal Oxygen Uptake, and Oxygen Deficit in Elite Male Endurance Athletes

“…The caffeine-induced increase in VE at submaximal intensities is well documented (2,10) and could result from bronchodilation. In the present study, however, caffeine did not improve FEV 1 , FVC, or expiratory flow at 50% of FVC (FEF 50 ), although it has been reported that caffeine causes a small increase in FEV 1 (52). Interestingly, our statistical analyses supported the notion that the increased VE after intake of caffeine contributed to the higher V˙O 2max .…”

Chronic coffee consumption and respiratory disease: A systematic review

“…These chronic effects may be mediated by changes in adenosine receptor density, as has been shown in pre‐clinical studies . Caffeine is also a mild bronchodilator, and this could explain the effects of coffee on the prevalence and treatment of asthma . Other components of coffee and tea may be active, including polyphenols and other anti‐oxidants .…”

Early‐life fecal metabolomics of food allergy

“…However, that study did not stratify by breastfeeding status or analyze postpartum caffeine intake, and both that study and our study contrast with reports of inverse associations of caffeine intake with other atopic outcomes including asthma in adults 26–29 . Caffeine may have a different effect on asthma than food allergy due to specific effects on airway smooth muscle 30 . Caffeine is used to treat respiratory conditions including apnea in premature infants, 24,31 though this is unlikely to explain our results, as stool samples were collected starting at age 3 months and the frequency of prematurity was comparable between those with food allergy, sensitization and controls (Table 1).…”

“…[26][27][28][29] Caffeine may have a different effect on asthma than food allergy due to specific effects on airway smooth muscle. 30 Caffeine is used to treat respiratory conditions including apnea in premature infants, 24,31 though this is unlikely to explain our results, as stool samples were collected starting at age 3 months and the frequency of prematurity was comparable between those with food allergy, sensitization and controls (Table 1).…”

Caffeine Increases Exercise Performance, Maximal Oxygen Uptake, and Oxygen Deficit in Elite Male Endurance Athletes

“…The caffeine-induced increase in VE at submaximal intensities is well documented (2,10) and could result from bronchodilation. In the present study, however, caffeine did not improve FEV 1 , FVC, or expiratory flow at 50% of FVC (FEF 50 ), although it has been reported that caffeine causes a small increase in FEV 1 (52). Interestingly, our statistical analyses supported the notion that the increased VE after intake of caffeine contributed to the higher V˙O 2max .…”

Chronic coffee consumption and respiratory disease: A systematic review

“…These chronic effects may be mediated by changes in adenosine receptor density, as has been shown in pre‐clinical studies . Caffeine is also a mild bronchodilator, and this could explain the effects of coffee on the prevalence and treatment of asthma . Other components of coffee and tea may be active, including polyphenols and other anti‐oxidants .…”

Early‐life fecal metabolomics of food allergy

“…However, that study did not stratify by breastfeeding status or analyze postpartum caffeine intake, and both that study and our study contrast with reports of inverse associations of caffeine intake with other atopic outcomes including asthma in adults 26–29 . Caffeine may have a different effect on asthma than food allergy due to specific effects on airway smooth muscle 30 . Caffeine is used to treat respiratory conditions including apnea in premature infants, 24,31 though this is unlikely to explain our results, as stool samples were collected starting at age 3 months and the frequency of prematurity was comparable between those with food allergy, sensitization and controls (Table 1).…”

“…[26][27][28][29] Caffeine may have a different effect on asthma than food allergy due to specific effects on airway smooth muscle. 30 Caffeine is used to treat respiratory conditions including apnea in premature infants, 24,31 though this is unlikely to explain our results, as stool samples were collected starting at age 3 months and the frequency of prematurity was comparable between those with food allergy, sensitization and controls (Table 1).…”

Caffeine Increases Exercise Performance, Maximal Oxygen Uptake, and Oxygen Deficit in Elite Male Endurance Athletes

“…The caffeine-induced increase in VE at submaximal intensities is well documented (2,10) and could result from bronchodilation. In the present study, however, caffeine did not improve FEV 1 , FVC, or expiratory flow at 50% of FVC (FEF 50 ), although it has been reported that caffeine causes a small increase in FEV 1 (52). Interestingly, our statistical analyses supported the notion that the increased VE after intake of caffeine contributed to the higher V˙O 2max .…”

Chronic coffee consumption and respiratory disease: A systematic review

“…These chronic effects may be mediated by changes in adenosine receptor density, as has been shown in pre‐clinical studies . Caffeine is also a mild bronchodilator, and this could explain the effects of coffee on the prevalence and treatment of asthma . Other components of coffee and tea may be active, including polyphenols and other anti‐oxidants .…”