Effects of the reduction of caffeine consumption on tinnitus perception

• Published in: Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology Vol. 80; no. 5; pp. 416 - 421
• Main Authors: Figueiredo, Ricardo Rodrigues, Rates, Marcelo José Abras, de Azevedo, Andréia Aparecida, Moreira, Ronaldo Kennedy de Paula, Penido, Norma de Oliveira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Brazil Elsevier Editora Ltda 01-09-2014; Elsevier; Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial
• Subjects: Adult; Cafeína; Caffeine; Caffeine - adverse effects; Café; Central Nervous System Stimulants - adverse effects; Coffee; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Original; OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY; Prospective Studies; Tinnitus; Tinnitus - chemically induced; Tinnitus - prevention & control; Treatment Outcome; Zumbido; Zumbido; Tinnitus; Coffee; Cafeína; Café; Caffeine
• ISSN: 1808-8694; 1808-8686; 1808-8686
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2014.05.033

For many years, excessive caffeine consumption has been touted as an aggravating factor for tinnitus. The pathophysiology behind this effect is probably related to the blockage of adenosine receptors by the action of caffeine on the central nervous system.
To evaluate the effects of reduction of coffee consumption on tinnitus sensation and to identify subgroups more prone to benefit from this therapeutic strategy.
Prospective.
Twenty-six tinnitus patients who consumed at least 150mL of coffee per day were selected. All were asked to reduce their coffee consumption. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire was completed by the patients before and after the reduction of coffee consumption, as well as a visual-analog scale (VAS) graduated from 1 to 10.
THI and VAS scores were significantly reduced (p<0.05). In the subgroups less than 60 years old, bilateral tinnitus and daily coffee consumption between 150 and 300mL showed a significantly greater reduction of THI and VAS scores.
Patients under 60 years of age with bilateral tinnitus and daily coffee consumption between 150 and 300mL are more prone to benefit from consumption reduction. Thirty-day observation periods may be helpful for a better therapeutical decision.
O consumo abusivo de cafeína vem sendo descrito como fator de piora e causa do zumbido há muitos anos. A fisiopatologia deste efeito está provavelmente relacionada ao bloqueio dos receptores inibitórios adenosínicos pela cafeína no sistema nervoso central.
Avaliar os efeitos da redução do consumo de cafeína na percepção do zumbido e identificar subgrupos de pacientes mais propensos a benefícios com esta proposta.
Prospectivo.
Selecionados 26 pacientes com zumbido neurossensorial e consumo diário superior a 150mL de café. Os efeitos da redução do consumo foram avaliados através do Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) e da escala visual-análoga (EVA).
Houve redução estatisticamente significativa (p<0.05) nos escores do THI e EVA. Nos subgrupos com idade inferior a 60 anos, zumbido bilateral e consumo diário de café entre 150 e 300mL apresentaram maior redução dos escores THI e EVA.
Em pacientes com idade inferior a 60 anos, zumbido bilateral e consumo diário de café entre 150 e 300mL apresentaram benefícios com a redução no consumo diário de cafeína. Períodos observacionais de 30 dias podem ser úteis para a decisão terapêutica.