Cinnamon is a spice which is obtained from the bark of a plant which are mostly found in India, China and some of the Southeast Asian countries. Cinnamon is most commonly used in deserts, drinks and several personal care products.
Apart from its distinct aroma, cinnamon is renowned for its medicinal properties. This spice is used to enhance the taste of your dish. But, for few of them it may stimulate infection.
Cinnamon allergy symptoms may differ from person to person. An allergic reaction may trigger when you consume, touch or smell cinnamon powder or bark. If you experience any unusual reaction, you must consult doctor for diagnosis.
Hypersensitivity caused by this allergy is more in adults when compared to children. As few dishes are unsavory without cinnamon, most people add it. However, you must check ingredients list before feeding the baby. In case you consume cinnamon, the immune system releases antibodies and histamine to combat the proteins in cinnamon. The reaction between these bodies, stimulate allergic reaction.
Most allergies have identical symptoms, so it’s not recommended to overlook the symptoms assuming that it’s just a seasonal allergy. Note down the symptoms and reach nearest allergist.
Cinnamon Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms range from mild to severe. Few common symptoms are listed below.
- Runny nose
- Nausea
- Swelling of lips, tongue and throat
- Redness and watery eyes
- Difficulty in breathing or asthma
- Skin dermatitis like inflammation over skin, eczema, blisters
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Anaphylaxis
Mild symptoms include cold-like symptoms, which include runny nose, swelling of lips, watery eyes etc… Severe symptoms include contact dermatitis, upset stomach and anaphylaxi0s.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is the first observed symptom of cinnamon allergy. This allergic reaction, occurs when you come in contact with the cinnamon. It can lead to redness, inflammation and rashes over the skin. Vigorous itching may be accompanied by rashes and dry skin.
A quick relief would be to apply moisturizers like jojoba oil or coconut oil. (Only to stop itching)
Upset Stomach
When you ingest cinnamon, antibodies may react and lead to stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. You can experience these signs as soon as you consume cinnamon or after 2 hours of eating.
Anaphylaxis (Life-threatening)
In rare cases, cinnamon allergy lead to sudden fall in blood pressure, unusual heartbeat, dizziness, confusion or loss of consciousness leading to severe condition. The patient needs immediate medical attention.
Cinnamon Allergy in Children
As mentioned, children are less prone to this infection compared to adults as they don’t consume much spice food. But, to replace the smell of ingredients cinnamon is added to baby food also. So parents must make sure that they read ingredients twice and confirm that it has no cinnamon.
Symptoms of cinnamon allergy in children include dermatitis, vomiting, nasal congestion, wheezing, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Allergist conducts patch test on baby’s skin for diagnosis.
Not just spicy food (that include cinnamon); you must stay away from all ingredients that can irritate your immune system. Take your doctor’s advice to list out the items that can stimulate allergic reaction.
Foods that contain Cinnamon
If you are allergic to cinnamon then be aware with the following food items, as they may trigger allergic reactions in you.
- Puddings and deserts
- Ice creams
- Baked items
- Soups
- Sauces
- Curries and flavored rice
- Herbal tea
- Candies
- Chewing gums
- Some coffees