Why do I sneeze after coffee? (Can Coffee Make You Sneeze + more information)

Coffee can make you feel more awake, especially in the morning, and boost your energy levels. But can coffee make you sneeze? Read on to find out more!

Yes. Coffee can make you sneeze if you are allergic or sensitive to caffeine. Though many people like how coffee makes them feel more focused, not everyone understands why they experience symptoms like sneezing after taking this beverage. I have been drinking coffee for a long time. I realized that every time I took my morning cup of coffee, I would start sneezing after around 10 minutes.

When I conducted an online search, I discovered I was not the only one. This made me more curious, so I researched this and created this post. By the end of it, you will not only learn why you sneeze after taking coffee and when to see a doctor.

Why does coffee make me sneeze?

Coffee can make you sneeze if you are allergic, sensitive to caffeine, or are using different coffee beans. Coffee contains caffeine, a drug that can stimulate the central nervous system. Caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach. It then affects how various organs in the bodywork. You may start sneezing after drinking coffee if you are allergic to this stimulant.

This is because your body may treat the caffeine as if it were an invader. Wherever you take this drink, your body produces an antibody known as immunoglobulin E. The antibody causes the release of histamine, which can trigger an inflammatory response. This causes the tissues and blood vessels to swell, triggering allergy symptoms such as sneezing.

Does sneezing after drinking coffee mean caffeine allergy?

Sneezing after drinking coffee could mean you are allergic to caffeine, but this is not the only cause. You may also be sneezing because the steam from the coffee is opening your sinuses or because you have a caffeine sensitivity. Research also shows that if you frequently purchase coffee from various places, you may be sneezing due to the change of the coffee bean.

Should I see a doctor when I sneeze after drinking coffee?

Allergic reactions to coffee can either be mild or severe. If you are only sneezing after drinking coffee, there is no need to see a doctor since this is a mild case. However, consult a doctor if you start experiencing worse symptoms after drinking coffee.

Though rare, some people experience an extreme allergic reaction to caffeine, known as anaphylaxis. This calls for medical intervention since its symptoms include sneezing and other severe symptoms like shortness of breath.

How long after coffee will I start sneezing if I have a caffeine allergy?

If you are allergic to caffeine, you may start sneezing within 5 to ten minutes after drinking coffee. Sneezing is not always bad if other symptoms do not accompany it.

Final thoughts

Everybody reacts differently to coffee. While most people feel more energized and focused after having this beverage, some start sneezing. Sneezing after taking coffee can occur if you are allergic or sensitive to caffeine. This can occur between 5 to thirty minutes of drinking coffee. If you only sneeze after drinking coffee, you should not be worried. However, feel free to consult a doctor if you have severe symptoms after taking coffee.

FAQ section

Can decaf coffee make me sneeze?

Yes. Since decaf coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine, it can make you sneeze if you are allergic to the stimulant.

Does caffeine trigger sneezing allergies?

Yes. This stimulant can trigger sneezing allergies in some people.

Can smelling coffee make you sneeze?

Yes. Though this is rare, it can happen since the steam from the coffee can open your sinuses, making you sneeze.