Shellfish Allergy: What You Need To Know

By Tonci Vulin


Throughout the US, any adults are struggling with allergies that are caused by eating shellfish. Figures reveal that 0.1% of the population are children having shellfish allergy and over 2% of the general US population are adults with shellfish allergy.

It is during the adult years that shellfish allergies are likely to develop. Shellfish allergies tend to be severe, lifelong food allergies.

What are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Shellfish Allergy Symptoms of shellfish allergy normally appear within minutes up to two hours of eating shellfish. Symptoms may include: Skin reactions like hives or eczema. Group of reactions like watering of eyes, itchiness and redness is known as allergic conjunctivitis. GI reactions such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Wheezing, runny nose and coughing are also respiratory symptoms that are brought on by allergy.

Your lips will swell and also your tongue and face. These symptoms are called angioedema. Severe anaphylaxis is the severe sign of shellfish allergy. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that needs prompt medical attention. One of the most common causes of Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis is shellfish allergy wherein the food allergen is taken prior to doing exercises. What Are Shellfish, Anyway?

Mollusks and Crustaceans are two primary families of the shellfish origin. Oysters, squids and clams are under the family of mollusks. Crustaceans contain shrimp, lobster, and crayfish. Shellfish may live in fresh or salt water - or even on land.

If you have crustacean shellfish allergy, you are possibly allergic to other crustacean shellfish foods also. Individuals with crustacean allergy could also be sensitive with mollusks like oysters and clams. Allergy screening is the most dependable way to determine which shellfish, if any, you will be able to eat.

The allergenic protein in shellfish (tropomyosin) isn't just present in sea creatures. People with shellfish allergies may also have reactions to land snails, dust mites, cockroaches, or other insects.

Coping With a Shellfish Allergy You have to avoid shellfish or make preparations just before allergic reactions because there is no identified cure for shellfish allergy yet. If you have been diagnosed with a serious shellfish allergy, your doctor will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (generally called an Epi-Pen) that you will need to carry with you all the time. Avoiding shellfish may look quick, but food allergens can lurk in unexpected places. You will have to learn to read labels to avoid shellfish, and learn to ask questions when you eat in dining places. Shellfish and Labeling Laws: All mollusks does not bring about allergies but the main allergy inducing food is the crustacean shellfish which is listed as one of the big eight allergens according to The Food Allergy Labeling Law (FALCPA). This means that manufacturers are not required to list the presence of clams, oysters, mussels, scallops or other mollusks in ingredient lists.

If you are allergic to crustacean shellfish, there is a likelihood that you may have a sensitivity to mollusks as well. You can ascertain the safety of eating mollusks by having an allergy tests.

You should always read ingredient labels properly if you have shellfish allergies. Allergy to Iodine Products and Shellfish There are unsubstantiated concerns of a cross reactivity between shellfish allergy and iodine/contrast allergy - some old medical forms still list this improperly as a contraindication. Radiocontrast components are iodine-containing products and they don't have to be avoided if you have shellfish allergy. It is possible to be allergic to iodine or radiocontrast material, but those allergies aren't relevant to shellfish allergies, so you do not need to worry about cross-reactions.

Shellfish Poisoning Shellfish poisoning is also known as Red Tide and Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning. You might confuse yourself with the symptoms of shellfish poisoning for an allergic attack since it usually erupts within 30 minutes after intake of spoiled shellfish. Shellfish poisoning is the effect of a very strong toxin termed saxitoxin that is unveiled by algae-like organisms that dwell in two-shelled mollusks, like clams and oysters. As such, this type of toxin only affects mollusks, and not fish or lobster. Symptoms may include prickling or burning in the mouth or extremities, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Shellfish poisoning can be extremely severe or even fatal. You must seek immediate medical treatment if you are experiencing these symptoms.




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