The Signs and Symptoms of a Cayenne Pepper Allergy
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The Signs and Symptoms of a Cayenne Pepper Allergy

Cayenne can spice up your meals, but for some people, it can also lead to a serious allergic reaction.
The Signs and Symptoms of a Cayenne Pepper Allergy
Everyday Health
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Updated on August 7, 2025
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Cayenne, also called capsicum, is a type of chili pepper that is pungent, spicy, and known for its red color. Many people use cayenne pepper as a spice in the meals they make. But how spicy the cayenne is depends on the concentration of capsaicinoids, which are alkaloid compounds that irritate skin and mucous membranes. For example, red peppers have higher levels of capsaicinoids (which make them spicier), whereas paprika has lower concentrations.

But a person can have a cayenne pepper allergy or intolerance. This can cause a variety of symptoms. Here’s why that happens, plus how to spot the signs.

What Causes a Cayenne Pepper Allergy?

Your immune system works to protect you from illness by using white blood cells to attack foreign substances that may cause disease, according to Mayo Clinic. So when it comes to a cayenne allergy, your immune system incorrectly identifies capsaicinoids as dangerous and stimulates mast cells (a type of immune cell) to produce histamine to help destroy the capsaicinoids.

Histamine is a chemical that your immune system releases when an allergen enters your system, according to Cleveland Clinic. And when histamine gets released, that’s when you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.

That said, if your immune system recognizes cayenne as an allergen, you may start developing symptoms. This may occur immediately or up to a few hours after exposure to the cayenne.

Early Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a cayenne pepper allergy may look similar to other spice allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). These symptoms may include skin rash or hives, itchiness in the mouth, and coughing.

Mayo Clinic also says that people who have any type of food allergy may also experience swelling in the lips, face, tongue, or throat; diarrhea, nausea, trouble breathing, nasal congestion, and dizziness.

Severe Symptoms

Some people may also develop a more severe reaction to allergens. This type of allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis. The AAAAI explains that while anaphylaxis is rare for spice allergies, there have been some reports of anaphylaxis in people with allergies to spices like cayenne pepper and oregano.

According to Cleveland Clinic, anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, so knowing the symptoms is essential. These symptoms are swelling in your throat, lips, and tongue, hives, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, chest tightness, cramps, wheezing, and vomiting. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis may also include low blood pressure and a weak or rapid pulse, according to Mayo Clinic.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to reach out for medical care immediately.

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Asal Naderi, MD

Medical Reviewer

Asal Naderi, MD, is an assistant clinical professor of allergy and immunology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Her areas of focus include allergic rhinitis, asthma, chronic sinusitis with nasal polyposis, chronic urticaria, angioedema, food allergy, drug allergy, and primary immunodeficiencies.

She received her bachelor's degree from the University of California Los Angeles and then received her medical degree from Saint Louis University. She completed her internal medicine residency at University of California Irvine, and her fellowship at the University of California Irvine. She has been a principal investigator in clinical trials for asthma as well as chronic sinusitis.

Outside of the office, she enjoys exercising, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.

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Kristin Dorman

Author

Kristin Dorman is a health content writer. Her work focuses on food allergies, allergic reactions, and related digestive health conditions. Dorman’s work translates medical concepts into accessible information for general audiences.

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