Cinnamon Challenge Causes Lung Damage

Pediatricians today cautioned young people on the downside of the popular dare game 'the cinnamon challenge'. It has been advised not to attempt this game as it causes great damage to the lungs.

The cinnamon challenge, which has become popular on YouTube and other social media sites over the past few years, is a stunt which involves competitive eating, and can be very dangerous. The person willingly swallows a heap or a dry spoonful of the dry spice cinnamon in a short time of 60 seconds without any water.   

"What we were discovering was that it wasn't just that this was a dare prompted by peer pressure, but in fact there were acute health issues associated with it and there might be some real concerns for more chronic health issues," Dr. Steven Lipshultz, a co-author on the study from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, was quoted as saying in Chicago Tribune.

According to a study that was published in Pediatrics, the spice is a caustic powder that is made of cellulose fibers, and after swallowing it just 60 seconds without water can cause throat irritation, choking, breathing problems and collapsing of the lungs. The spice doesn't dissolve in the lungs. It was reported that last year, 30 teens required immediate medical attention nationwide after undertaking the cinnamon challenge, reports The Associated Press.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that there has been a steep increase over the years in the number of teens taking up this challenge. The numbers rose from 51 in 2011 to 222 in 2012, all reporting the misuse of cinnamon.

Those with asthma or other respiratory disorders have a greater risk with the cinnamon challenge. Aspirated powder in the upper airway can cause aspiration pneumonia i.e., an inflammation of the lungs.