Flying From Hospital to Hospital: A Case of Caffeine Intoxication

Abstract

A 54-year-old woman with a history of excess weight and active smoking presented to the emergency department (ED) due to syncope after a long flight. She reported a similar episode in the previous month, which had also occurred after a long air voyage. She presented with hypotension, dehydration, and hyperlactacidemia. The clinical team ruled out acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary embolism, and cerebrovascular accident. After clinician insistence, she reported having ingested anhydrous caffeine, an over-the-counter diuretic usually used by individuals seeking to lose weight, and a diagnosis of caffeine intoxication was made. The overthe-counter sale of this apparently innocuous substances is a rising phenomenon, and physicians should be aware of the signs of its ingestion.

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“…Caffeine is also known for its addictive properties and discontinuation may results in withdrawal syndrome. [20] It is materialized in numerous prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, coffee, tea, chocolates, colas, and other carbonated and non-carbonated beverages. [21] Caffeine use raises multiple concerns especially among the youth population such as (1) regular use can result in "dependence"; and daily users (as young as 13) may experience withdrawal symptoms.…”