Emma Wilson
Mushroom allergies are surprisingly common, and can be triggered by ingestion, inhalation, or even skin contact. The allergy is caused by an immune system overreaction to proteins or moulds present in mushrooms, which can cause the body to release IgE antibodies, leading to an allergic reaction. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and life-threatening, and may include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur, which requires immediate treatment with epinephrine. If you suspect you have a mushroom allergy, it is important to consult with an allergist for diagnosis and treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of mushroom intolerance | Immune system's overreaction to proteins or molds present in mushrooms |
| How does it occur | Through consumption, inhalation, or skin contact |
| Symptoms | Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, hives, skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid pulse, dizziness, loss of consciousness |
| Treatment | Avoidance of mushrooms, antihistamines, epinephrine in severe cases |
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What You'll Learn
Inhalation of mushroom spores
The pollen spores of mushrooms typically peak during August and September, and they can be spread through the air, especially in dry and windy weather conditions. Inhalation of mushroom spores can also trigger asthma symptoms in individuals with pre-existing asthma conditions. Therefore, it is essential for people with asthma or respiratory issues to be cautious during seasons with high spore counts.
Additionally, it is important to note that mushroom allergies may be linked to mold allergies. Mold spores, similar to those found in mushrooms, can cause allergic reactions when inhaled. Individuals with a mushroom allergy may also exhibit sensitivity to other fungi or molds, such as those present in aged cheese, yeast, and mildew. Understanding mold allergies can provide valuable insights into managing mushroom allergy symptoms triggered by spore inhalation.
To diagnose a mushroom allergy caused by spore inhalation, physicians may perform skin tests or blood tests. Skin prick tests involve introducing a small amount of mushroom extract into the patient's skin and observing for any allergic reactions, such as a raised bump. Blood tests, on the other hand, measure the levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which indicate an allergic reaction if present in high quantities.
The treatment for mushroom allergy due to spore inhalation typically involves avoiding exposure to mushroom spores, taking antihistamines to alleviate symptoms, and seeking medical attention if symptoms are severe. It is always advisable to consult a physician or allergist for proper assessment and management of mushroom allergy symptoms.
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Consumption of mushrooms
The symptoms of a mushroom allergy can vary in severity, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Common symptoms include skin rashes, hives, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur, which is a severe allergic reaction that can cause a rapid pulse, dizziness, or loss of constipation. Symptoms may occur immediately or hours after consuming mushrooms.
It is important to note that different species of mushrooms contain different proteins, and individuals may be allergic to one type of mushroom but not others. However, cross-reactivity between different types of mushrooms can occur, so caution is advised. Additionally, people with a mushroom allergy may also react to other fungi or moulds, such as those present in aged cheese, yeast, and mildew.
The most effective treatment for a mushroom allergy is avoidance. Individuals who suspect they have a mushroom allergy should consult with an allergist for diagnosis and treatment. Skin tests and blood tests can be performed to identify the specific allergen causing the allergy. During a skin test, a small amount of mushroom allergen is exposed to the skin, and if a raised, red, itchy bump develops, it indicates an allergy. Blood tests measure the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood, which are released in response to the allergen.
In the case of anaphylaxis, immediate treatment with epinephrine is required. Understanding the causes and treatment of mould allergies can also provide insight into managing a mushroom allergy, as there may be cross-reactivity between fungal allergens and related foods.
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Skin contact with mushrooms
To prevent skin contact with mushrooms, it is recommended to wear gloves when handling them and to wash hands promptly afterward. This is especially important for individuals who know they are allergic to specific mushroom species, such as Suillus americanus, S. granulatus, S. grevillei, S. luteus, or S. neoalbidipes.
If an allergic reaction occurs due to skin contact with mushrooms, treatment options are available. Over-the-counter antihistamines can be taken orally or administered nasally to manage allergic conditions. For severe reactions, steroids or immunotherapy may be necessary. In the case of anaphylaxis, immediate clinical assistance and a shot of epinephrine are required to relax the respiratory tract.
It is worth noting that skin contact with mushrooms may not always result in an allergic reaction. Some individuals may experience intolerance, which creates a slight feeling of illness rather than the immediate and serious symptoms of an allergy. However, even in cases of intolerance, it is advisable to avoid skin contact with mushrooms and seek professional diagnosis to understand the nature and severity of the reaction.
To summarise, skin contact with mushrooms can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, ranging from mild to severe. Prevention is key, and treatment options are available if symptoms occur. However, the best course of action is to identify the cause and manage the condition effectively through diagnosis and, if necessary, medical intervention.
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Cross-reactivity with other fungi
Cross-reactivity with other types of fungi is a common complication for people with mushroom allergies. Mushroom allergy is often triggered by an immune system overreaction to proteins or moulds present in mushrooms. Since mushrooms are a type of fungus, people with a mushroom allergy may also react to other fungi or moulds, such as those present in aged cheese, yeast, mildew, and truffles.
Fungus-related foods that have been documented as causing allergic reactions include macro fungi with fruiting bodies, fermented foods, and foods contaminated with fungi. Mycoprotein, a protein-rich food obtained from filamentous fungal biomass, has been linked to adverse reactions, including urticaria, swelling of the throat, tongue, mouth, or lips, breathing difficulties, and anaphylaxis. Quorn, a trade name for a line of foods made with mycoprotein, has been available in the UK since 1985, and consumers have reported adverse reactions.
Fungus food allergy syndrome (FFAS) is caused by allergic cross-reactivity with airborne fungi and can involve one or more target organs, with symptoms ranging from oral allergy syndrome to severe anaphylaxis. Understanding the causes and treatment of mould allergies can provide further insight into managing a mushroom allergy.
It is important to note that some people may be allergic to one type of mushroom and not others due to different proteins found in different mushroom species. However, cross-reactivity with other types of mushrooms can still occur, so caution is advised. If you suspect a mushroom allergy, it is recommended to consult an allergist for diagnosis and treatment.
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Poisonous mushrooms
Amanita virosa, also known as the Destroying Angel, is native to Northeast Ohio forests and fruits around mature trees. Its relative, Amanita phalloides, is commonly known as the Death Cap and is perhaps the deadliest mushroom. It is found throughout Europe and resembles edible straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms. Its amatoxins are heat-stable, quickly damaging cells throughout the body. Within 6 to 12 hours of consumption, violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea appear, causing a rapid loss of fluids and intense thirst. Soon after, severe liver, kidney, and central nervous system issues arise, which can lead to death.
Amanita bisporigera, another species of Destroying Angel, is considered the most toxic mushroom in North America. Its symptoms, including vomiting, delirium, convulsions, diarrhea, liver and kidney failure, also take 5 to 24 hours to appear and often lead to death.
Conocybe filaris, an innocent-looking lawn mushroom common in the Pacific Northwest, is another potentially fatal species. It contains the same mycotoxins as the Death Cap. The onset of gastrointestinal symptoms often occurs 6-24 hours after consumption, frequently leading to an initial misdiagnosis of food poisoning or the stomach flu. The patient may appear to recover, only to suffer from a life-threatening reappearance of the gastrointestinal distress, coupled with liver and kidney failure.
Webcap mushrooms, including the Deadly Webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) and the Fool's Webcap (Cortinarius orellanus), are very similar in appearance to each other and several edible varieties. They feature a poison known as orellanin, which initially causes flu-like symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis. If left untreated, orellanin causes kidney failure and death.
Autumn Skullcap (Galerina marginata) is a gilled, wood-rotting mushroom common throughout the Northern Hemisphere and parts of Australia. It contains the same amatoxins as the Death Cap and is sometimes mistaken for hallucinogenic mushrooms, leading to poisoning.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, foragers should familiarize themselves with the mushrooms they intend to collect, as well as similar-looking toxic species. While some toxins are heat-stable and not rendered safe by cooking, proper preparation methods can increase the safety of consuming wild mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
A mushroom allergy is when the human body's immune system reacts to the proteins in mushrooms as foreign particles. The body then releases IgE antibodies to combat the proteins, which in turn releases histamines, causing allergies.
Mushroom allergies are caused by exposure to mushroom spores, which can occur through consumption, inhalation, or skin contact.
Symptoms of a mushroom allergy can include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, hives, skin rashes, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur, which involves a rapid pulse, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
The overall extent of mushroom allergies is not known, but it is estimated that it could be as prevalent as pollen and mould allergies, which affect 10-30% of the allergic population.
To diagnose a mushroom allergy, a doctor may refer you to an allergist for testing. Allergy tests involve skin tests, where a small amount of mushroom protein is injected into the skin, and blood tests, which are sent to a lab to test for the presence of IgE antibodies.
