Dorothy FarrarPill allergy
Mushrooms are popular foods, but not everyone can tolerate them. In addition to mushroom intolerance, genuine mushroom allergies also play a major role here. Often the symptoms of fungal intolerance and fungal allergy hardly differ from each other. However, the rapid occurrence of different symptoms after eating a mushroom meal suggests a mushroom allPill allergy
Mushrooms are popular foods, but not everyone can tolerate them. In addition to mushroom intolerance, genuine mushroom allergies also play a major role here. Often the symptoms of fungal intolerance and fungal allergy hardly differ from each other. However, the rapid occurrence of different symptoms after eating a mushroom meal suggests a mushroom allergy.ergy.
What is a mushroom allergy?
Commonly, a mushroom allergy is spoken of when symptoms occur after a meal of edible mushrooms that only affect individual people. In contrast to mushroom poisoning , the reactions occur immediately, i.e. usually within 15 minutes after the mushroom meal. Although there is talk of a fungal allergy, there is not always a real fungal allergy. In some cases it can also be a so-called fungal intolerance. In the case of a real allergy , the body’s own immune system reacts against the antigens recognized as foreign. However, an intolerance is characterized by a more difficult breakdown of certain components of the mushrooms.
causes
In the case of a real mushroom allergy, the body’s own immune system reacts sensitively to certain mushroom components. These are called antigens and in most cases represent proteins. The true mushroom allergy develops after the mushroom in question has been eaten several times. The immune system forms antibodies against special substances of the fungus. In most cases, it is a type I allergy. There is an immediate reaction with the formation of IgE antibodies. These mediate the release of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins, histamine , and others.
The inflammatory reactions that lead to the different immediate reactions develop. The corresponding symptoms then appear within a short time after the consumption of the mushroom meal. The spectrum of symptoms is so large that an allergy is not always thought of. Instead of an allergy to fungi, a so-called fungal intolerance (idiosyncrasy) can also be present. These are difficulties in breaking down certain fungal ingredients.
Mushrooms contain the carbohydrate trehalose. This can be broken down into glucose by the enzyme trehalase in the body. However, when trehalase is absent or deficient, the fungal trehalose is not degraded in the gut. However, it is then decomposed by intestinal bacteria with the formation of large amounts of gas. This special fungal intolerance leads to flatulence and diarrhea.
Sometimes there are also mixed forms. For example, certain degradation products that form after incomplete degradation of fungal proteins can stimulate the immune system to react in the form of antibody formation. However, fungal allergies can also occur in the form of contact allergies with fungal spores. In addition to mold spores, spores from normal fungi can also lead to the corresponding symptoms on contact or even when inhaled. The symptoms then do not differ from the symptoms of hay fever , which is triggered by pollen.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of a mushroom allergy:
- itching in the mouth
Mushroom allergies in the broadest sense are present when symptoms occur in individuals immediately after eating edible mushrooms. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence and diarrhea are often observed after a mushroom meal. In addition, there is often itching in the mouth and throat. Sometimes the skin is affected with the formation of skin wheals, pimples and eczema .
Difficulty breathing and allergic asthma are also common. Under certain circumstances, anaphylactic shock can even develop, which can be fatal if left untreated. Not all symptoms have to appear all the time. However, if an immediate reaction of any kind occurs after eating a mushroom meal, an allergist should always be consulted to clarify whether it is an allergy. In the case of mushroom intolerance, the problems of the digestive system will probably predominate. However, reactions of the skin and respiratory tract cannot be ruled out here either.
Diagnose
If a severe reaction occurs after a mushroom meal, a mushroom allergy is always suspected. However, since fungal allergy is a general term and is broadly applied to fungal intolerance as well, the challenge is to determine the exact cause of the allergy or intolerance. To do this, it must first be clarified which mushrooms were eaten. Furthermore, allergy tests are then carried out for certain ingredients of the mushrooms in question that are suspected of being allergenic.
IgE antibodies can be determined in the blood . Since it can also be substances that are also present in other foods , a medical history can also help to identify the triggering substance. During this history, the patient is asked about which foods or under what circumstances similar symptoms occur. It should also be clarified whether it is just an intolerance. If a trehalase deficiency is suspected, this enzyme should be determined.
treatment and therapy
Treatment of fungal allergies depends on the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms are mild, no symptomatic therapy is necessary. The symptoms go away on their own. However, foods containing fungi should be strictly avoided afterwards.
In the case of severe symptoms, antiallergic drugs are administered to suppress the symptoms. Antihistamines , adrenaline , prednisone, cromoglicic acid or certain herbal active ingredients can be used as antiallergic drugs.
In asthmatic attacks, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (montelukast), theophylline, salbutamol or monoclonal antibodies has proven itself.
In case of anaphylactic shock, antihistamines, glucocorticoids and adrenaline must be administered by infusion. Infusions for volume replacement are also necessary. The allergist must decide to what extent hyposensitization is possible in the case of fungal allergies. However, if the symptoms only occur in connection with eating mushrooms, the best therapy is to avoid mushrooms and mushroom components.
prevention
Direct prevention of the development of a fungal allergy is probably not possible. However, if the allergy is known, foods containing fungi should be strictly avoided. That’s why you have to check when you’re shopping whether mushrooms or traces of mushrooms have been used in ready meals, pizzas, sauces, soups or other foods. When eating out in a restaurant, you should always find out about any mushroom components that may be present. Because in severe cases, even traces of fungal components can lead to violent reactions. Under these circumstances, it also makes sense to have a nutritionist or an allergist draw up a special nutrition plan for you.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.