Allergy adventures

A very public and embarrassing allergic reaction tonight. The last time I had an attack was months ago. I was talking to someone toasting cinnamon bread and didn't realize it until it was too late. I took a dose of liquid Benadryl, which I keep in my desk.

Walked outside for a few minutes and then came back. No big deal. 

Tonight, an aroma wafting through the office smelled bad and fairly strong. I mentioned it to my co-worker, the engaging and talented red-head next door and she noticed it too. Smelled sort of like deodorant. Minutes later I felt the wheeze coming on. Told my boss I was leaving, clocked out and hi-tailed it out of there but was in high cough, tingling throat and tongue, mode by the time I got to the car. Came back in to find the darn Benadryl. Head back out the door. Coughing becomes incredibly bad, I'm dizzy, and quickly attracting a crowd. So humiliating.

Finally consented to go to the urgent care clinic. Yuk. Have never had a reaction like that before to something non-cinnamon and have no idea what it was. But Googling tonight, I at least learned that there are quite a number of people with allergies to cinnamon and they ALL say the holidays are a nightmare because of all those bloody cinnamon brooms retailers like to display.