Cinnamon is a spice that adds flavor to different food items. You can add it to sweet or salty dishes or make yourself a cinnamon toast. Unfortunately, however, it doesn’t suit everyone, and many people are even allergic to cinnamon.
Cinnamon has been used over centuries, not only due to its flavoring properties but also for its wide range of health benefits. You can find it in a variety of food items, such as:
• Baked items, such as muffins, biscuits, pastries
• Breakfast cereals
• Candies and chewing gum
• Herbal teas and coffees
• Oatmeal
• Toothpaste and mouthwash
Symptoms of Allergy
Some studies show that around 2 to 3 percent of people living with food allergies have spice allergy.
Reactions to the spice can occur during or after eating it or even coming into contact with it. It can vary from mild to severe, depending on each individual.
You may experience some symptoms, such as:
• Stomach pain
• Difficulty in breathing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Itching
• Swelling on the face or other body parts
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Hives
Complications
It rarely happens, but sometimes or for some people, cinnamon allergy may cause anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction.
Some of its symptoms include:
• Loss of consciousness
• Drop-in blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
In this case, you should seek urgent medical help. Hence, ignoring the treatment may even lead to coma or death.
Treatment
Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, the best treatment is to limit exposure to cinnamon or completely avoid it. Also, you should carefully read the labels on food items or personal care products and make sure that cinnamon is not present.
To relieve the allergic reaction symptoms, your doctor may prescribe you medicine, such as Benadryl. It should provide relief in around 15 to 20 minutes.
If you suspect an allergic reaction to cinnamon, visit San Ramon Urgent Care & Clinic and seek immediate help.