title: 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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register and the reference lists of articles (August 2009). We also contacted study authors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomised clinical trials of oral caffeine compared to placebo or coffee compared to decaffeinated coffee in adults with asthma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Trial selection, quality assessment and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven trials involving a total of 75 people with mild to moderate asthma were included. 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' (< 5mg/kg body weight), appears to improve lung function for up to two hours after consumption. Forced expiratory volume in one minute showed a small improvement up to two hours after caffeine ingestion (SMD 0.72; 95% CI 0.25 to 1.20), which translates into a 5% mean difference in FEV1. However in two studies the mean differences in FEV1 were 12% and 18% after caffeine. Mid-expiratory flow rates also showed a small improvement with caffeine and this was sustained up to four hours.One trial involving 20 people examined the effect of drinking coffee versus a decaffeinated variety on the exhaled nitric oxide levels in patients with asthma and concluded that there was no significant effect on this outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Caffeine appears to improve airways function modestly, for up to four hours, in people with asthma . People may need to avoid caffeine for at least four hours prior to lung function testing, as caffeine ingestion could cause misinterpretation of the results. Drinking caffeinated coffee before taking exhaled nitric oxide measurements does not appear to affect the results of the test, but more studies are needed to confirm this.
authors.affiliation: Community Health Sciences, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK, SW17 0RE.
authors.forename: Emma J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Welsh
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bara
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Barley
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Cates
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001980:Bronchi / Q000187:drug effects; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002110:Caffeine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D002110:Caffeine