Cinnamon Allergy
Cinnamon is a useful food that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers blood sugar, and can fight bacterial and fungal infections. The popularity of cinnamon, which is frequently used in desserts, cakes and dishes, is increasing day by day and its usage area is expanding. However, cinnamon can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Causes of Cinnamon Allergy
Cinnamon allergy is caused by the immune system seeing a substance in cinnamon as harmful. The immune system perceives this harmful substance as a threat and begins to fight against this situation by producing antibodies and histamine. The symptoms of this allergic reaction can vary from a mild sneezing to life-threatening situations. Cinnamon is one of the most common spice allergy triggers. In spice allergies, breathing in or even touching the spice can cause an allergic reaction. Because of its pleasant scent, cinnamon can be used in room scents or various scents, and even these scents can cause an allergic reaction. Cinnamon allergy reactions, although not very common, can also be caused by the cinnamon flavor found in chewing gum, toothpaste and mouthwash. This rare reaction to artificial cinnamon is called “contact stomatitis” and causes burning or itching in the mouth. These symptoms usually disappear as soon as you stop using this artificial flavor. There are some risk factors in cinnamon allergy. People with a family history of cinnamon allergy have a higher risk of developing cinnamon allergy. People with any food allergies have a higher risk of developing a cinnamon allergy. Because cinnamon is widely used in cosmetics, people who use a lot of cosmetic products have a higher risk of developing cinnamon allergy.
Cinnamon Allergy Symptoms
Cinnamon allergy symptoms may appear shortly after exposure to cinnamon. The severity of these symptoms varies and very severe or very mild symptoms may be experienced.
Symptoms of cinnamon allergy include:
- Tingling in lips,
- face and tongue,
- Itching sensation and swelling on lips,
- face and tongue,
- swelling in other parts of the body,
- Shortness of breath,
- Wheezing,
- nasal congestion,
- Hives,
- Itching,
- Stomach ache,
- Diarrhea,
- dizziness,
- Nausea,
- vomiting,
- Feeling faint,
- fainting,
- Anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis; It is a rare condition and can be life-threatening, causing coma and even death. In case of anaphylaxis, immediate medical support is required.
Things to Avoid in Cinnamon Allergy
The usage area of cinnamon is very wide and this area is gradually expanding. Some foods and substances that people with cinnamon allergy should pay attention to are:
- Chewing gum,
- Tooth paste,
- applesauce,
- Rolled oats,
- breakfast cereals,
- Cookies,
- cakes,
- tarts,
- biscuits and pastries,
- candies,
- mouthwashes,
- Flavored teas and coffees,
- Some cosmetic products,
- Some room fragrances,
- Some perfumes,
- Some personal care products
Possible substitutions include:
- Anise,
- Allspice,
- Cumin,
- Fennel,
- Ginger,
- carnations,
- Vanilla.
Cinnamon Allergy
Diagnosis Spice allergies can be a bit difficult to identify. If you suspect that you are allergic to cinnamon, it would be beneficial for you to visit an allergist. Allergists will clearly reveal whether you have allergies through the tests and methods they will apply. To diagnose cinnamon allergy, a skin prick test or allergy blood test can be performed. After examining your medical history, your allergist will perform the test appropriate to your symptoms and condition. In a skin prick test, a small amount of an allergen is placed under the skin. Then, any changes that may occur in the area where the allergen is placed are observed. If there is any redness or blistering in the applied area, it means that you have an allergy. In an allergy blood test, the antibodies produced by your immune system to the suspected allergen are checked. If these values are high, it can be concluded that you have allergies.
Treatment of Cinnamon Allergy
As with other food allergies, the most effective way to treat cinnamon allergy is to stay away from cinnamon and all products containing cinnamon. Eliminating exposure to the allergen will greatly reduce your chances of having an allergic reaction. Cinnamon has a very widespread use. For this reason, you need to be aware of the ingredients of everything you consume. You should definitely read the contents of packaged foods before buying them. Your allergist may recommend that you use antihistamic medication to relieve mild symptoms of cinnamon allergy. You should not use these medications without consulting your doctor. There is a possibility that cinnamon allergy can cause a condition such as anaphylaxis. Your allergist will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector for use in such cases. Your allergist will inform you about how this syringe is used and the situations in which it should be used.
