The Effects of the Cinnamon Challenge

As you may have seen or tried it yourself, the cinnamon challenge is a hit on Youtube. The actual challenge is trying to swallow tablespoon of dry cinnamon in under 60 seconds and they post it on Youtube for the public to enjoy. About the majority of the people who try this challenge end up puking, gagging, coughing, and choking on the cinnamon. Little do they know this infamous dare causes burning and inflammation of sensitive and critical tissues in the throat, nose and mouth, which can end up with a trip to the doctor and a call to poison control.  According to the American Association of Poison Control Center, 139 reports were made from cinnamon abuse in the first three months of 2012, and most of them needed immediate medical attention. Because the cinnamon dries out the mouth and lungs it makes it difficult to swallow which in return causes collapsed lungs and most people will end with a ventilator. Doctors urge parents and kids to know the risks of these dangerous dares that seem harmless.