Individuals who experience unusual reactions after touching or eating cinnamon may have a cinnamon allergy. Although learning about the most common symptoms of a cinnamon allergy is the first step in determining if an allergy is present, the specific symptoms of an allergy can vary greatly from person to person. Those who suspect a cinnamon allergy should always see a doctor or allergist for a proper diagnosis and to explore treatment options.
Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen. This skin reaction may cause inflammation, redness or a rash on the areas of the skin that came in contact with cinnamon.
Individuals who ingest cinnamon may suffer from gastrointestinal upset. This may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or stomach cramps. Although this gastrointestinal upset may occur within minutes of eating cinnamon, it also can occur up to two hours later, explains the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Some people may experience symptoms similar to that of the common cold after being exposed to cinnamon, such as a runny or stuffy nose, watery or itching eyes or coughing. In some cases, a person may also have wheezing or difficulty breathing. If these symptoms are due to a cinnamon allergy, the gastrointestinal symptoms and skin reactions will typically also be present, notes the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Although less common than the other symptoms, some individuals who are allergic to cinnamon develop a condition called anaphylactic shock. This is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. The symptoms of anaphylactic shock include abdominal pain, unusual heartbeat, dizziness or lightheadedness, confusion, a sudden drop in blood pressure, shock, or a loss of consciousness, says MedlinePlus. Those who show signs of anaphylactic shock need immediate medical attention.