Kamil Perry
Blue cheese is made from milk and mould, and some people are allergic to one or both of these ingredients. The blue spots in blue cheese are mould, and if you have a mould allergy, eating blue cheese can trigger common allergic reaction symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of a cheese allergy is skin reactions, which may include itching. If you experience itching or other symptoms after consuming blue cheese, you may have an allergy and should consult a doctor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allergens in soft blue cheese | Milk, mould (Penicillium Roquefort) |
| Symptoms of an allergic reaction | Itchy eyes, itchy hands, inflammation in the eyes, throat, sinuses, gastrointestinal system, skin |
| Other symptoms of a mould allergy | Sneezing, digestive problems, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath |
| Symptoms of an extreme allergic reaction | Excessive inflammation, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, anaphylaxis, dizziness, increased heart rate, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness |
| Other potential causes | High histamine levels |
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What You'll Learn
- Blue cheese contains mould, milk, and histamine, all of which can cause allergies
- Symptoms of a cheese allergy include skin reactions, itching, and eczema
- Mould spores can cause eye irritation and inflammation
- Histamine in cheese can cause a burning mouth or itchy tongue
- If you have an allergy, see a doctor for allergy testing and advice on what to avoid
Blue cheese contains mould, milk, and histamine, all of which can cause allergies
Blue cheese is made from milk and contains mould, both of which are highly allergenic. If you are allergic to milk, your immune system will mistake the proteins in milk as dangerous and will release immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to fight off these proteins. This triggers mast cells to produce histamine, which leads to inflammation in the body. Common symptoms of a milk allergy include skin rashes, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Mould allergies commonly arise from inhaling airborne spores during the spring, summer, and fall months. Inhaled mould spores can cause inflammation in the eyes, throat, and sinuses. Ingesting mould can also cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal system and the skin. If you have a mould allergy, you should abstain from blue cheese, as well as dried fruit, aged cheeses, and beer.
In addition to milk and mould, blue cheese is also high in histamine due to the cheese-making process, particularly during ripening. As blue cheese ages, histamine levels increase, and these levels are higher when the cheese is stored at warmer temperatures. Histamine intolerance can cause an allergic reaction, with symptoms such as migraines, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
Therefore, if you experience itchy eyes and hands after consuming soft blue cheese, it is possible that you are allergic to one or more of its ingredients, such as milk or mould, or have a histamine intolerance. It is recommended that you consult a doctor to determine the specific cause of your allergy symptoms.
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Symptoms of a cheese allergy include skin reactions, itching, and eczema
It is possible that soft blue cheese could cause itchy eyes and hands. Blue cheese contains two highly allergenic substances: milk and mould. The blue spots found in blue cheese are mould, and if you have a mould allergy, you can experience common mould allergy symptoms such as inflammation in the eyes.
Cheese allergies can cause skin reactions, itching, and eczema. Skin reactions are one of the most common symptoms of a cheese allergy. These may include hives (urticaria), eczema, and itching. Hives are red, itchy welts that appear on the skin and can vary in size. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that causes itchy, inflamed skin. It is important to note that symptoms of a cheese allergy can range from mild to severe and usually appear within minutes to a few hours after consuming cheese or dairy products.
If you suspect you have a cheese allergy, it is essential to get tested to confirm the diagnosis. You can consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance on managing your allergy. Testing options include skin prick tests, blood tests, oral food challenges, and elimination diets.
In addition to skin reactions, other symptoms of a cheese allergy can include digestive problems and respiratory issues. Digestive symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Respiratory symptoms may include nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
In severe cases, a cheese allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty breathing, a rapid drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
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Mould spores can cause eye irritation and inflammation
The blue spots found in blue cheese are mould. If you have a mould allergy, eating blue cheese can trigger common mould allergy symptoms. Inhaled mould spores can cause inflammation in the eyes, throat, and sinuses. Ingested mould can also cause inflammation in other parts of the body, such as the gastrointestinal system and the skin.
Mould spores can cause the eyes to become bloodshot and watery. If you have been sleeping in a room contaminated with mould spores but have not had direct contact with the spores, you can still suffer from sore eyes. Because of increased inflammation, the eyes appear red or bloodshot, and the person starts to experience blurred vision. This blurry vision also causes light sensitivity.
Mould can also cause intraocular inflammation, which affects the vitreous and anterior chamber of the eye, known as endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis can be divided into two categories: endogenous infections, which are less common and caused by something within your body that was previously dormant, and exogenous infections, which are more common and caused by something entering the body from the environment. An exogenous endophthalmitis infection is often caused when a person comes into contact with a mould-contaminated surface and then touches other parts of their body or rubs their eyes. If left untreated, this condition can lead to potential blindness.
If you experience eye irritation or inflammation after consuming blue cheese, it is important to consult a doctor, as you may have an allergy to mould or another ingredient in the cheese.
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Histamine in cheese can cause a burning mouth or itchy tongue
It is possible that consuming soft blue cheese could cause itchy eyes and hands. Blue cheese contains two highly allergenic substances: milk and mould. If you are allergic to either of these, consuming blue cheese could trigger an allergic reaction.
Mould allergies commonly arise from inhaling airborne spores during spring, summer, and fall. However, ingested mould can also cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal system and the skin. If you have a mould allergy, it is recommended that you abstain from consuming dried fruit, aged cheeses, and beer.
Histamine, a naturally occurring chemical compound, is found in many different types of cheese, including blue cheese. While histamine serves some crucial roles in the body, such as blood pressure control and cell growth, ingesting too much of it can lead to adverse effects. These effects include itching, burning, flushing, headaches, and breathing difficulties. For certain individuals, high amounts of histamine can even trigger migraines.
The amount of histamine in blue cheese can range from 22 to 64 parts per million (ppm). While levels below 50 ppm are typically undetectable by most people, more sensitive individuals may experience a localised tingling sensation in the mouth at this concentration. Levels above 100 ppm are more likely to produce noticeable effects, such as a burning mouth or itchy tongue.
If you experience any adverse reactions after consuming blue cheese or any other type of cheese, it is advisable to consult a doctor or medical professional. They can help determine if you have any allergies or intolerances and provide guidance on managing your symptoms.
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If you have an allergy, see a doctor for allergy testing and advice on what to avoid
If you are experiencing allergic reactions, it is important to see a doctor or allergist for testing and advice. Allergies can be complex, and a specialist will be able to help you identify your triggers and advise you on what to avoid.
Allergists are experts in their field, with specialized training in diagnosing and treating allergies. They will ask about your symptoms, when they occur, and how often, as well as taking a detailed medical history, including your work, home, and eating habits, to help pinpoint your allergy. They will then select the most appropriate test to help diagnose your allergy.
Skin prick tests, blood tests, and oral food challenge tests are common allergy tests. Skin testing is the preferred method used by trained allergists and is usually the most accurate. It involves pricking the skin with a thin needle or placing droplets of potential allergens onto the skin and scratching the area to allow the liquid to enter. Reactions such as redness, rashes, or raised spots usually occur within 15 minutes.
Blood tests can also be used to measure the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody involved in allergies. A total IgE test measures the total amount of IgE antibodies, while a specific IgE test measures the body's response to a single allergen.
Once you have your results, your allergist can advise you on the best course of action to manage your allergy and avoid future reactions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it could. Blue cheese contains two highly allergenic substances: milk and mould. If you have a mould allergy, eating blue cheese may cause it to flare up. Mould spores induce eye irritation and can also cause inflammation in other body regions, such as the gastrointestinal tract and skin.
Symptoms of a mould allergy can include sneezing, digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea, skin reactions such as hives (urticaria), eczema, and itching, and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis.
If you are unsure about mould allergies, be sure to check with a doctor as they can easily run tests and tell you what to avoid. If you have a mould allergy, you should avoid blue cheese and other mould-containing foods such as dried fruit, aged cheeses, and beer.
