Mushroom Allergy – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Though rare, a mushroom allergy is estimated to affect about 1 percent of the people who suffer from food allergies. Mushrooms, a species of fungus, are usually immensely relished by those who eat them. However, people who suffer from mushroom allergy may experience the symptoms if they even come near the fungi. Mushroom allergy, like most of the food allergies, is caused by a special kind of protein found in mushrooms. Fewer people(less than 1%) are affected by this Allergy. Childhood allergy to this food could fade once children grow, but adult allergy could stay longer.

What is there in Mushroom that causes Allergy?

People can get allergies from Mushroom’s flesh and, at times, also from spores. This happens primarily for people who are suffering from mold allergy. Mushrooms are fungi, and their spores can trigger allergic reactions like molds. Once people inhale airborne spores, primarily in the places where mushrooms are grown, allergic reactions happen in sensitive individuals.

As mushrooms are a type of fungus, one cannot rule out cross-reactivity in individuals allergic to molds. If someone is allergic to molds, they might also show allergic symptoms when exposed to mushrooms. Few people might also react to mushrooms’ complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides).

People who work in the food industry and packaging of foods are at a higher risk of suffering from this Allergy. It is not necessary for a person to always have been allergic to mushrooms. Sometimes, people may suddenly develop an allergy to mushrooms. Even those who eat mushrooms regularly may suddenly develop an allergy to the fungi.

Allergies to mushrooms usually occur through contact during consumption or inhalation of the airborne particles. Usually, there are very few chances of developing an allergy to mushrooms after they have been cooked. This is perhaps because the protein to which a person forms an allergy changes in chemical structure when cooked.

Facts about Mushroom Allergy

• It is uncertain how much Mushroom allergy is prevalent. It might be between 1-30%.
• Aeroallergens generally peak from June to November. In this, it is at its highest peak between August-September.
• Few species of Mushrooms have multiple allergens.
• The allergen research is hampered due to species recognition.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3278649/

Mushroom Allergy Symptoms

Since mushroom allergies are airborne and through contact, the symptoms are of airborne allergies and contact dermatitis. Here are some of the common symptoms:

• Itching and burning of the mouth of the Mushroom has been ingested
• Swelling of tongue, lips, or mouth
• Itching all over the body, especially those areas where the contact with mushrooms has been maximum
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tightness in chest and breathlessness
• Swelling of throat
• Increased palpitations

A person may also experience dizziness, loss of consciousness, a sudden fall in blood pressure, or an anaphylactic reaction. Though this is rare, a person may need to be administered epinephrine or adrenaline injections to prevent such an attack. If not issued on time, the person may go into shock.

In addition to this Allergy, people might be allergic to other forms of fungi like molds or yeast. Cheese or grapes might carry these molds, and eating them might give a person allergic reactions. In the season when mold counts are high, Allergy could lead to allergic rhinitis.

Mushroom Allergy Treatment

A lot of many times, mushroom allergies are confused with intolerance. If you suffer from abdominal cramps and indigestion after eating mushrooms, this is due to a bias and not Allergy. Avoid eating mushrooms if you have either intolerance or Allergy from mushrooms.

Anti-histamines are usually administered if you experience allergic reactions to mushrooms. Topical steroids can be used for skin lesions, rashes, and hives.

Mushroom Allergy FAQs

Is mushroom high in histamine?

Mushrooms are not high but low in histamine. Histamine is a type of biogenic amine. Mushrooms might have other biogenic amines that can cause problems if one has histamine intolerance. You should be aware of this and alert as other biogenic amines can also cause symptoms, like histamine intolerance.

How long does mushroom allergy last?

The symptoms of mushroom allergy on the skin might start one to 2 days after contact and might last for a week. A severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction might appear immediately, too, which might require hospitalization for some. Other skin-related symptoms might appear within a day.

How common is mushroom allergies?

Mushroom allergy is not very common and only affects approximately 2 to 3% of people. If a child gets an allergy, he might be cured automatically as he grows older. However, if it appears in adulthood, it might stay throughout life.