Cinnamon that has become airborne can cause allergic reactions but that does not mean you have a cinnamon allergy. Although cinnamon allergies do exist, they are uncommon. Airborne cinnamon can cause irritation in your lungs and nose, which can present allergy-like symptoms.
Airborne Cinnamon Exposure Symptoms
Airborne cinnamon exposure typically presents the same symptoms of allergies or non-allergies alike. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to note that this does not necessarily mean you have an allergy to cinnamon. Here are the common symptoms when exposed to airborne cinnamon.
- Coughing
- Itchy tongue or lips
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
Can the smell of cinnamon cause an allergic reaction?
Yes, but the chances of cinnamon causing an allergic reaction is rare. A very small percentage of the population has an allergy to cinnamon or other spices. The most likely cause of your symptoms when smelling cinnamon is irritation.
Cinnamon is a strong spice, meaning if you inhale it, you are probably going to upset your eyes, nose, and mouth. When irritation occurs in the body, your defenses kick in to “flush out” the irritant. This “flush” results in coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose.
Airborne Cinnamon Allergy Diagnosis
Airborne cinnamon allergies can be diagnosed through a variety of different tests, such as the skin prick test, intradermal test, and patch test. The skin prick test is the most common type of allergy testing and involves pricking the skin with various allergens to see if there is a reaction. Always talk with your doctor about your health concerns.
Cinnamon Allergies
A cinnamon allergy is when your body reacts with an immune response to touching or eating cinnamon. It is not very common (less than 0.2% of adults), but it can be serious if you have it.
Types of Cinnamon Allergic Reactions
The most common types of reactions that trigger allergy symptoms are oral allergy syndrome (OAS) and Cinnamon Contact Stomatitis (CCS).
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)
Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a type of food allergy that affects the mouth and throat. It occurs when someone eats certain foods like raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, or even cinnamon and experiences an allergic reaction in their mouth or throat.
Symptoms typically include itching, tingling sensations in the mouth, and/or swelling of the lips or tongue after consuming specific foods.
Cinnamon Contact Stomatitis (CCS)
Cinnamon contact stomatitis (CCS) is a condition that results from direct oral exposure to cinnamon-flavored products. It is characterized by redness, burning sensation, and tenderness in the mouth which can last up to several days or even weeks.
The severity of symptoms may vary from person to person but it typically affects only one side of the mouth or tongue.
Next Up:
Looking for more information on cinnamon allergies? Check out: Cinnamon Allergy: Symptoms, Reactions, Treatments
