Dangers of the 'Cinnamon Challenge'

Doctors reveal the risks of the YouTube fade

DETROIT – It's called the "Cinnamon Challenge," and it's the latest craze popping up on YouTube. 

Teenagers and adults are videotaping themselves attempting to swallow a teaspoon of cinnamon without choking or coughing.

It may sound innocent, but doctors warned the "Cinnamon Challenge" can do serious damage.

"What they're doing could be fun in the short run, but can have lasting impact on their health," said Dr. Lokesh Guglani, who specializes in treating pediatric lung disorders at Children's Hospital of Michigan.

Guglani said the "Cinnamon Challenge" is risky for a number of reasons, the first being the threat of choking.

"You could actually stop breathing or have interruption of your breathing passages."

There are also long term risks.  Guglani warned it's likely some of the cinnamon will end up in the lungs.

"It's a dry powder, so you are trying to gulp it down and at that point it gets stuck in the upper part of your throat," said Guglani.  "Anything that's stuck in there, and you're trying to take a deep breath in at the same time, will also get inhaled into the lungs and the windpipe."

That can cause serious health problems years down the road.

"That can create long-lasting lasting effects on their lung function, and there's some evidence that it can cause them to have lung damage and scarring in the form of fibrosis," said Guglani.

Experts said the "Cinnamon Challenge" is even more risky for people who already have lung problems, such as asthma.

Guglani encouraged parents to educate themselves and their children about the risks.

"I think the parents have to talk to their children about understanding the long term implications of these things."