How to drink coffee without harming our lungs?

Coffee contains a huge amount of caffeine, which works similar to theophylline, an old medicine used to treat breathing difficulties and chest pains by opening air passages in the lungs and improving their function. Because of that, some people, especially those who have asthma, may find breathing easier to a certain extent after drinking coffee.

Some people, especially those who have asthma, may find breathing easier after drinking coffee. Photo illustration by Pexels

However, coffee is far from a cure for the disease, as consuming it in the wrong way may harm our respiratory system and make our breathing problems even worse.

It is advised to drink hot coffee, which has a higher amount of antioxidants compared to iced coffee. These components help warm the throat and boost blood circulation, while iced coffee may tighten nasal respiratory mucosa, and create a beneficial environment for viruses and bacteria to develop, which leads to respiratory diseases, including coughing and asthma.

Coughs, and even chronic coughs that last for over eight weeks, may be experienced after consuming coffee as is the consequence of caffeine which dries the mouth. People who have allergies may have mucus after drinking coffee, which causes coughs and other symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and hives.

Consuming too much coffee may generate gastric acid and weaken the esophageal sphincter, which then leads to gastroesophageal reflux disease, breathing difficulties, coughing, and excess mucus.

In the long term, drinking too much coffee may increase the heart rate, which results in breathing difficulties, short breaths, insomnia, and stress.

For these reasons, people who have asthma are advised not to drink too much coffee. Adults in normal health conditions should only consume under 400 mg of caffeine a day, which is equivalent to four cups of filter coffee. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take in more than 200 mg of caffeine a day. Teenagers should only consume up to 100 mg of caffeine a day.

It is also recommended to consult with a doctor if you are taking medicines as caffeine can interact with certain medical pills, causing unexpected effects.

Dr. Dang Thanh Do

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tam Anh General Hospital