Posted on July 27, 2009 in Latest News
Have you experienced itching around the mouth, hives, and diarrhea after eating mushrooms? If your answer is yes, you might be suffering from mushroom allergies. Mushroom allergies are rare, affecting only about 1% of the population. However, they do exist and people with mushroom allergies should be careful
Facts About Mushroom Allergy:
People whose work involves constant exposure to mushrooms are at high risk of allergies. This includes people working in food industry, in hotels, where handling of the mushrooms is required. Mushroom allergy can be developed suddenly. A person who has eaten mushrooms all his life may suddenly experience allergies.
Allergies to mushroom can be caused due to consumption or due to inhalation. Some people with overcome the allergy once the mushroom is cooked. This might be because, the mushroom proteins change their shape once they are cooked.
Symptoms of Mushroom Allergy:
- Oral Allergy syndrome: Itching or burning of the mouth, lips. Swelling of the lips, tongue.
- Hives/ Itchiness all over the body
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Breathlessness
In rare cases, the above reaction can progress to loss of consciousness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. These are the symptoms of anaphylactic reaction which can be life threatening. Immediate administration of Epinephrine can prevent this reaction.
Allergy or Intolerance?
Mushroom intolerance can sometimes be misunderstood with mushroom allergy. An intolerance involves diarrhea, abdominal cramps and it results when the body is not able to break down the mushroom properly and digest it.
If you are having doubts if you have an allergy or intolerance, you consult an allergist and take up allergy tests. Skin prick tests or blood tests can determine if you have mushroom allergies.
If you have mushroom allergy, you should stay away from mushroom containing foods. While eating out, inquire the ingredients and avoid mushroom containing foods. Also read the food labels and avoid foods which have mushroom as their ingredeints. Always carry a self-injectable Epinephrine to prevent an anaphylactic reaction.
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