Cinnamon is an herb that is commonly used as a spice in breads, desserts and pastries but may also be used for medical purposes. Drugs.com states that the only side effects reported with the use of cinnamon are skin rashes and allergic reactions. It's possible that when you consume cinnamon, an allergic reaction is the cause of your headache forming. During an allergic reaction, soft tissues throughout your body become swollen from increased blood flow and irritation.
Allergy to Cinnamon
An allergy to cinnamon is not common but could cause a wide range of symptoms throughout your body, causing minor to severe reactions. The substances you ingest are identified by the immune system to keep your body safe from infectious organisms. Cinnamon is safe for use in your body, but your immune system accidentally identifies cinnamon as a dangerous substance. This mistake results in the formation of chemicals that attack the substance, causing the production of immunoglobulin E antibodies. IgE antibodies in the bloodstream cause your body to create increased levels of histamine, leading to inflammation, according to MedlinePlus.
Headache Cause
When histamine levels increase in your sinus tissue, your blood vessels dilate, causing greater blood flow and inflammation. Inflammation in your nasal passages leads to your sinuses becoming congested, cutting off your ability to breathe and drain mucus through your nostrils. This causes pressure to build up throughout you head, resulting in pain and pressure in your forehead, cheekbones, eyes, back of your neck and in your upper row of teeth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sinus headaches from a cinnamon allergy can also cause facial tenderness and increase your chance of developing a sinus infection.
Symptoms
Sinus headache symptoms include pain that is worse with sudden movements of your head, sudden temperature changes, postnasal drip, red nasal passages, malaise, fatigue and a mild fever. If the headache is the result of an allergic reaction, you may also develop the following: skin irritation, hives, eczema, itchiness, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, cramping and chest discomfort, according to MayoClinic.com.
Treatment
If you have a cinnamon allergy, eliminating all foods that contain cinnamon is the most effective way to prevent an allergic reaction. If you accidentally consume cinnamon, your doctor may recommend the use of oral antihistamines, decongestants and pain relievers until your sinus symptoms subside. Other home remedies, such as the use of steam, a warm cloth and saline nasal sprays may also help treat sinus headaches, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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