The “Cinnamon Challenge” is a social media dare that involves attempting to swallow a full tablespoon of dry, ground cinnamon in under 60 seconds without drinking any liquid. This activity has led to a rise in reported incidents requiring medical attention. Health professionals strongly discourage participating due to the immediate physical consequences and the potential for lasting injury.
Immediate Respiratory Distress
The immediate physical reaction to the challenge is coughing, gagging, and vomiting. The extremely fine, dry powder rapidly absorbs moisture from the mouth and throat, making the spice nearly impossible to swallow. This leads to a severe gag reflex and the aspiration of the powder into the airways.
The inability to clear the powder often results in an inability to catch one’s breath. The spice coats the mucous membranes, causing an intense burning sensation. More severe acute symptoms reported following the challenge include chest tightness and nosebleeds, with some individuals requiring emergency medical attention.
How Cinnamon Causes Physical Harm
The physical and chemical makeup of cinnamon powder is responsible for the severe harm that occurs during the challenge. Ground cinnamon consists of microscopic cellulose fibers that do not dissolve in saliva or the moist environment of the respiratory tract. When these particles are inhaled, they adhere to the delicate tissues lining the airways and lungs.
The human body lacks the enzymes necessary to break down this cellulose, meaning the inhaled powder remains lodged in the lungs indefinitely. Cinnamon contains a volatile essential oil called cinnamaldehyde, which gives the spice its distinct flavor. This chemical is highly irritating, triggering an intense inflammatory response and a caustic, burning sensation upon contact with the sensitive respiratory tissues.
The combination of the physical obstruction from the insoluble cellulose and the chemical irritation from the cinnamaldehyde creates a toxic environment in the lungs. This process involves a chemical pneumonitis, or inflammation of the lung tissue caused by an irritant. This inflammatory cascade begins immediately and can persist long after the initial symptoms subside.
Potential for Long-Term Damage
Inhaling cinnamon powder can lead to severe and potentially permanent health consequences. When the foreign cinnamon particles enter the lungs, they can trigger an infection known as aspiration pneumonia. This condition occurs when the body’s defenses are overwhelmed by the foreign material, leading to inflammation and a subsequent bacterial infection that requires prompt medical intervention.
The most concerning long-term risk is the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Because the cellulose fibers cannot be broken down, they remain in the lungs, causing chronic inflammation that leads to the formation of scar tissue. This scarring stiffens the lung, making it difficult to expand and exchange oxygen efficiently.
Individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), face a significantly higher risk of severe complications. The irritant properties of the cinnamaldehyde can immediately trigger a life-threatening asthma attack. In rare cases, the inhalation of the powder has led to a collapsed lung, or atelectasis, which requires immediate and extensive hospital care.