Doctors Warn of Caffeine Dangers as ER Visits Among Children Surge

Medical professionals are raising concerns about caffeine consumption in children as emergency room visits linked to caffeine overdoses have nearly doubled in recent years. While many adults rely on caffeinated beverages for energy, experts warn that children and teens are especially vulnerable to the risks.

Dr. Lyndsey Van der Laan, Assistant Medical Director at Siena Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department, shared a chilling account: “A couple of weeks ago, I had a kid come in having a heart attack because he took way too much. It’s not something we should see in children. We shouldn’t see a heart rate of 220 or blood pressure readings of 170 over 180 in a child.”

Health experts recommend adults limit caffeine intake to 400 milligrams a day but stress that no established safe threshold exists for adolescents. Popular pre-workout drinks often consumed by teens can significantly contribute to overconsumption, leading to severe health consequences like anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, and even heart complications.

“There is no quick fix for a caffeine overdose,” Dr. Van der Laan explained, adding that while doctors may administer blood pressure medication in extreme cases, prevention is key. She emphasized the importance of parents helping children develop healthy habits, noting that excessive caffeine can also hinder brain development and academic performance.

Moderation and awareness are crucial, health experts advise, as they call on parents to monitor their children’s caffeine intake to safeguard their health.