What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Coffee Allergy IgE Blood Test to measure IgE antibody levels in the blood to screen for an allergy to coffee. Coffee is a beverage made from the roasted, ground, and brewed beans of the Coffea arabica evergreen shrub. It is one of the most favored beverages in the world, with about 400 billion cups consumed annually. Coffee is most preferred for its rich source of caffeine, which helps individuals stimulate their minds to be alert and ready to take on the day. Unfortunately, some sensitized individuals may experience an adverse reaction after consuming coffee or coffee-based products. This Coffee Allergy Test may screen for a potential allergy and assist a healthcare provider in developing a management and treatment plan.
What causes an allergy to coffee?
While rare, a coffee allergy may affect sensitized individuals. Once an individual with a coffee allergy ingests coffee or coffee-based products, it triggers a response in an individual's immune system. The immune system views specific allergens in coffee as harmful and produces IgE antibodies to combat these invaders. Unfortunately, these antibodies cause the chemical histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction.
Do I have a coffee allergy or caffeine sensitivity?
Caffeine sensitivity has similar symptoms to coffee allergies, making it somewhat difficult to distinguish the two. However, caffeine sensitivity is more common than a coffee allergy. A few unique signs of caffeine sensitivity are insomnia and anxiety.
Many individuals mistake caffeine sensitivity for a coffee allergy since consuming too much caffeine can result in shortness of breath, nausea, and stomach pain. However, paying attention to all symptoms and using specific-allergen blood tests such as this can help differentiate between the two conditions. In most cases, caffeine is the leading cause of the symptoms rather than a coffee allergy.
When should I order a Coffee Allergy Blood Test?
Individuals may order this Coffee Allergy Blood Test if they have experienced symptoms related to a coffee allergy. Allergy symptoms vary depending on the individual, ranging from mild to severe reactions. Most food-related symptoms occur within two hours of ingestion; however, they frequently begin within minutes. In addition, the response can be delayed by four to six hours or even longer in some rare cases.
An allergic reaction may affect the skin, intestinal lining, and air pathways. Individuals with a coffee allergy may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Tingling sensation near or around the mouth
- Swelling
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Itching or hives
- Congestion
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or wheezing
- Lightheadedness
A severe, possibly life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis may occur in some cases. An anaphylactic response requires immediate medical attention. Signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
- Rapid or increased heart rate
- Swollen throat or lump making it difficult to breathe
- Low blood pressure
- Extreme dizziness or loss of consciousness
What products should I avoid if I have an allergy to coffee?
Individuals allergic to coffee should avoid not only it but also avoid coffee-based products, including:
- Coffee beans
- Decaffeinated coffee
- Instant coffee
- Various coffee drinks (espresso, latte, cappuccino, iced coffee)
- Coffee desserts (tiramisu, ice cream, and cakes)
- Chocolate and candy that contain coffee grounds
