GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Besides being a good eye-opener, a strong cup of coffee could actually help ease asthma symptoms, WYFF News 4's Carol Goldsmith reports.

Coffee's reputation as a relief for asthma goes back to a study published in Scotland in 1859.

The caffeine in coffee opens up the airways in the lungs, making for easier breathing.

Decaffeinated coffee won't work and it needs to be full-strength, Carol says.

Caffeine's chemical composition is similar to an old asthma drug called Theophylline.

A study done at Harvard University's medical school found that people who drink coffee on a regular basis have a third fewer asthma symptoms than those who don't.

Remember, coffee shouldn't take the place of regular asthma medication, but if you feel symptoms coming on and are without your medication, it could be a good remedy to keep in mind.

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