Is it effective to use coffee during an asthma attack?
Dec 04, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, drinking coffee during an asthma attack has limited effect and carries risks. It cannot replace standard emergency medications and may only provide brief, mild relief when no medication is available. Asthma patients should always carry emergency medications such as salbutamol and use them promptly according to instructions during an attack. Daily management includes avoiding allergens such as pollen and dust, maintaining good indoor ventilation, and following a regular routine to strengthen physical health.
Generally, drinking coffee during an asthma attack has limited effect and carries risks. It cannot replace standard emergency medications and may only provide brief, mild relief when no medication is available. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Coffee contains caffeine, which theoretically has a certain bronchodilating effect and may temporarily relax constricted airways, thereby slightly alleviating breathing difficulties. However, the caffeine content in coffee is relatively low and its effects are slow. During an acute asthma attack, this weak action is far from sufficient to meet emergency needs and cannot rapidly control airway inflammation or bronchospasm.
Reliance on coffee during an asthma attack may delay optimal treatment timing. Moreover, caffeine and acidic components in coffee may irritate the throat and airways, potentially worsening symptoms such as coughing and chest tightness in some patients. In addition, excessive caffeine intake may lead to side effects like increased heart rate and insomnia, which are detrimental to recovery.
Asthma patients should always carry emergency medications such as salbutamol and use them promptly according to instructions during an attack. Daily management includes avoiding allergens such as pollen and dust, maintaining good indoor ventilation, and adhering to regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles) to strengthen overall health.
