Individuals who suffer from unusual reactions after eating or touching cinnamon might have cinnamon allergy. It is important to note that the specific signs of an allergic reaction vary for everyone. If an individual is suspected with cinnamon allergy, a doctor must be seen for proper diagnosis and start suitable treatment options.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a reaction of the skin that arises if an individual was exposed to the allergen. This skin reaction can trigger redness, inflammation or a rash on areas that were directly in contact with cinnamon.
Digestive issues
Individuals who consumed cinnamon might end up with several digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain or vomiting. Even though the discomfort might manifest in just minutes of consuming cinnamon, it can occur up to 2 hours after.
Cold-like symptoms
Some individuals might end up with symptoms that are strikingly the same as common cold after direct exposure to cinnamon such as watery or itchy eyes, runny or stuffed nose and coughing.
In some instances, the individual might also have wheezing or difficulty breathing. If these symptoms are triggered by cinnamon allergy, the digestive and skin symptoms are usually present.
Can cinnamon trigger anaphylaxis?
Even though uncommon than the other symptoms, some who are highly allergic to cinnamon might end up with anaphylaxis. This is a severe and potentially dangerous reaction.
The indications of anaphylaxis generally include the following:
- Erratic heartbeat
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Abrupt drop in the blood pressure
- Confusion
- Shock
- Loss of consciousness
If any of these indications are present, immediate medical attention is needed.