One of the most popular forms of allergies is the seafood allergy. But this does not stop one from eating the mouth-watering marine produce. So, what causes shellfish and fish allergies? What are you going to do if you experienced such condition? Seafood allergy can cause extreme and life-threatening reactions to all of us. Allergies to shellfish and fish are more common in adults and adolescents than in young children. It is estimated that one in every 100 people has a seafood allergy. The types of seafood allergies include scaly fish and shellfish including mollusks. Symptoms of fish or shellfish allergies vary and range from mild reactions to severe allergic reaction. The most common symptom is raised red bumps of skin 9hives0. Other symptoms include wheezing and trouble breathing, cramps, nausea or vomiting.

The best way to manage a shellfish or fish allergy is to avoid all food containing the species to which you are allergic. Fish and shellfish allergic reactions can occur after eating seafood but you can also have symptoms after touching seafood or inhaling fumes from shellfish or fish while they are being cooked or processed in factories.

The specific molecule in shellfish or fish that triggers allergy may be present in a range of foods and you may be present in a range of foods and you may have an allergic reaction to all foods containing that molecule. Some people who are allergic to one type of fish may be allergic to another type of fish or they may have allergies to several crustaceans such as prawn, crab and lobster.

If you have allergic symptoms, visit immediately to your family doctor to discuss your allergic reactions. To diagnose your allergy, your doctor may refer you to a health care specialist for appropriate medication.

NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar, RND

References:

Shellfish Allergies

https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/shellfish

Shellfish and fish allergies

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/shellfish-and-fish-allergies

Allergic and Toxic Reactions to Seafood

https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/food-allergy/allergic-and-toxic-reactions-to-seafood

Seafood Allergies: Fact vs. Fiction

https://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/seafood-allergy-fact-vs-fiction.aspx