With the holidays approaching us, there will surely be lots of food on the table. Hence, not all foods are the same. Some may cause reactions in the body. The most common of this is seafood. Also, some people will react to some components of seafood. This reaction is called Shellfish Allergy. A person who has this may have an allergy to all shellfish. Some others may only react to particular kinds. This allergy is very common among adults. Data shows that more than 7 million American adults have an allergy to either fish or shellfish, or both. Shellfish Allergy Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
1. Signs
The following signs develop after eating shellfish. These include:
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling of parts of the body, especially the face
- Difficulty in breathing
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal Pain
- Dizziness
Do not disregard symptoms of seafood allergy. It may cause a severe reaction. Therefore, it can even be life-threatening. It may need an Epinephrine injection in this case. Also, the patient might need to go to the emergency room. Signs of this include shock, drop in blood pressure, and swollen throat. They may also faint. Hence, the signs are likely for those who have asthma. A severe reaction to small amounts of shellfish can also increase the chances.
2. Causes
Shellfish Allergy happens when the body reacts to shellfish. It recognizes marine food as a threat. It will then release antibodies. These antibodies cause the reaction. Shellfish that cause allergy are:
- Lobsters
- Shrimps
- Prawns
- Crayfish
- Crabs
- Squids
- Snails
- Scallops
- Oysters
- Clams
3. Risk Factors
Seafood Allergy is common to people whose family has a history of allergy. The allergy can be any type. Therefore, adults are more affected. But children can have it too. This type of allergy happens more to women than men. It is more usual for younger boys than girls.
4. Diagnosis
Talk to a doctor if you notice shellfish allergy symptoms. They will perform tests to confirm it. Also, they will help determine what specifically you are allergic to. Doctors will ask detailed questions about the history of allergy signs. The questions include what the food is and the amount you took. They will also ask about the symptoms. Likewise, how long it showed and how long it lasted.
Prick Test
Allergists will perform Skin-prick tests. They will put a small amount of the irritant in your back. They will then prick it. Doctors will confirm allergy if a reaction happens. The test is not painful. However, it can be uncomfortable. But do not worry, it will only be for a short time. The results will come out within 15 to 30 minutes.
Blood Test
Blood tests also help in diagnosis. Nurses will take blood samples. A sample of irritants is put in the sample. Allergy is present if there is a reaction. The most effective test is taking in food samples. Strict supervision of a specialist is needed. The patients eat suspected irritants in increasing amounts. Emergency personnel is usually present during the test. This test is effective to know if a patient has outgrown a food allergy.
5. Prevention
There is no direct cure for this kind of allergy. People who have it live with the symptoms. Avoiding shellfish will help prevent it. Also, this includes products that contain shellfish. Therefore, be cautious about the foods you are eating.
Read the labels carefully. Check if it contains food you are allergic to so you can avoid eating it. Do not be shy to ask your server about the ingredients of your food.
Check to see if the utensils are clean. They should not be used to prepare shellfish. Hence, to avoid any cross-contamination. It happens when food is processed or displace near marine foods.
Avoid places near where they process seafood. Therefore, it means keeping a distance from locations where they are prepared too. Others may react just from the steam inhalation of cooking shellfish.
Parents of children who have this should be conscious of their child’s food intake. They may work with those within the environment of the kid. Partnership with a child’s school or daycare is needed. Inform them of the child’s allergy. Hence, it may include action plans with clear instructions on how to manage it.
