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Mushroom Allergy Symptoms: Causes and Treatment Methods
Specialty: Ayurveda
Dr. Naveen Sharma is a renowned Ayurveda specialist with an experience of 10 years. He completed his Bachelors degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery(B. A. M. S) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in... more
Mushrooms are tasty and have been used in culinary field across global kitchens for their unique flavor and various nutritional benefits. However, consuming or inhaling the spores of mushrooms can cause an allergic reaction (mushroom allergy) in some people (1). In this article, we discuss in detail several options available for treating mushroom allergy symptoms. Read on to know more!
- What Is Mushroom Allergy?
- Causes Of Mushroom Allergy
- Symptoms Of Mushroom Allergy
- How Is Mushroom Allergy Treated?
- How To Prevent Mushroom Allergies
What Is Mushroom Allergy?
A mushroom allergy can be either due to eating mushrooms or inhaling their spores (2). They are usually classified into three types intolerance, allergic reactions, and poisoning.
Intolerance to mushrooms creates a slight feeling of illness, while an allergic reaction causes serious immediate symptoms. Mushroom poisoning is caused due to the consumption of poisonous mushrooms and has more severe symptoms.
Causes Of Mushroom Allergy
Mushroom allergy occurs when the human body misinterprets the proteins in mushrooms as foreign particles. As a response, the human body releases IgE antibodies to combat the proteins (3). This, in turn, releases histamines, which cause allergies.
Symptoms Of Mushroom Allergy
The symptoms associated with mushroom allergies include:
- Wheezing
- Runny nose and/or watery eyes due to an inflamed upper respiratory tract
- Skin rashes or hives
- Swelling of the lips, mouth, and/or throat
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Bloating or stomach cramping
More severe symptoms associated with mushroom allergy include:
- A drop in blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
How To Diagnose Mushroom Allergy
A skin prick test is considered to be an accurate diagnostic method for food allergy (4). In this test, a very small amount of mushroom protein is injected into the skin. The patient is considered to be allergic to mushrooms if any inflammation or redness is observed in the injected area.
Doctors should be well prepared to tackle any adverse reactions that may occur during the test.
How Is Mushroom Allergy Treated?
Treatment of mushroom allergy involves the administration of an antihistamine. Antihistamines are generally used in the management of allergic conditions (5). These medicines can be administered orally or through a nasal spray.
However, immediate medical attention is required when the symptoms are serious. For example, in the event of an anaphylactic reaction, an epinephrine shot should be administered immediately. This may relax the respiratory tract (6). A doctor should be contacted immediately as the symptoms can be fatal.
How To Prevent Mushroom Allergies
The necessary precautions must be taken to avoid the recurrence of allergy symptoms once they are managed and brought under control. Here are a few tips to prevent mushroom allergies:
- Avoid mushrooms and other mold products like yeast.
- Keep anti-allergic medications (like nasal steroids) handy.
- Consume packaged foods (sour creams, dry fruits, beer, cheese, etc.) with caution as they may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between molds and mushrooms?
Molds are a group of fungi called hyphomycetes. They are characterized by filamentous hyphae. They produce airborne conidia or spores. Mushrooms are also a group of fungi that are characterized by a fruiting body. While all mushrooms are fungi, only a few of them are edible. Some mushrooms may prove to be hazardous to health.
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