Mushroom allergies are often linked to mold allergies, which are relatively common. They can both trigger symptoms including skin rashes, sneezing and congestion. Although there's no cure, your doctor can prescribe medicines to relieve your symptoms. The best way to prevent a reaction is to avoid mushrooms, and try to keep your home free from mold.
Symptoms And Diagnosis
According to the National Institute of Health, many people have an allergic reaction to inhaling airborne spores from mold or mushrooms. This can produce symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including sneezing, coughing, runny nose and sinus congestion, as well as headaches, itchy, watery eyes and hives. A smaller percentage of people react after eating mushrooms. As well as these symptoms, yours might include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect you have a mushroom allergy, talk to your doctor. You might be asked to keep a food diary or take a skin test to identify the cause.
Antihistamines
Oral antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops are effective at treating mild to moderate allergy symptoms. They can relieve itching, sneezing, a runny nose and watery eyes by preventing the effect of histamine. You can buy them over the counter, or your doctor can prescribe longer-acting antihistamines. Be aware that they can cause drowsiness as a side effect.
Corticosteroids
Your doctor might prescribe a nasal corticosteroid spray to reduce inflammation of the nose and relieve sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. It may take between a few days and a week before you notice an improvement. Topical corticosteroid creams can treat skin rashes and relieve itching.
Decongestants
Prescription or over-the-counter decongestants are often used with antihistamines. You can take these as pills, eye drops or nasal sprays. Avoid using them for more than three days in a row, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Don't use them if you have emphysema or chronic bronchitis, and take care if you have high blood pressure.
Other Treatments
If you have severe symptoms, or your allergy is linked with asthma or hay fever, your doctor might recommend allergy shots. Also called immunotherapy, this accustoms your body to the allergen by giving small doses over a period of time. Nasal irrigation can also reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In very rare cases, you might have a serious, anaphylactic reaction which includes swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing. You need immediate treatment with epinephrine and should go directly to the emergency room.
Prevention
Avoiding mushrooms, mold and other triggers is the best way to prevent symptoms. Check all food for signs of mold before you eat it, and read labels carefully. Be careful of foods such as yeast, cheese and dried fruit, which can contain mold. When you're eating out, ask detailed questions about food preparation.
