Seafood is, without a doubt, a precious food that is jam-packed with nutrients but, despite its health benefits, it’s one of the most common allergic groups when it comes to cases of food allergies. Allergic reaction to seafood are diverse and mostly happen quickly, typically in a few hours after consuming. Some people may even experience the shrimp allergy symptoms after about 10 minutes. Often, these symptoms range from mild to severe.
Both adults and kids can experience allergic reactions to seafood. As a matter of fact, shellfish is one of the main causes of food allergies globally. Individuals who are allergic to shellfish may react to other types of foods in the shellfish family, which include crab, shrimp, mussels, etc. This allergy may cause a very strong immune reaction.
People allergic to shellfish may experience throat or mouth itching, skin reactions, lip swelling, etc. For some, the seafood allergy may pose life-threatening symptoms like dizziness, fainting, vomiting, and more while in some severe cases, it could result in death. Therefore, learning if you have an allergic reaction to seafood is important.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common shellfish allergy symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Signs of Allergic Reaction to Seafood
Each of us has a different immune system. Similarly, seafood allergy may cause different signs and symptoms to everyone, which can range from mild to serious. Most of these Shrimp allergy symptoms aren’t usually serious, especially after touching any seafood or just inhaling the fumes from the fish while being cooked. However, some people may experience these symptoms even by touching. Often, the allergic reaction to seafood symptoms occurs when one eats the fish they are allergic to. Believe it or not, some symptoms can be life-threatening and ought to be taken seriously.
Some of the mild shellfish allergy symptoms include raised red bumps on the skin, otherwise known as hives. These spots may appear anywhere on your body and may look like small spots or blotches. In some cases, your limbs may appear swollen when you have an allergic reaction to seafood. You may also feel your skin itching, and rashes may appear. A tingling sensation may also be experienced in the throat or mouth.
If you experience these signs after consuming a shellfish, it is advisable to get medical help instantly. Other severe allergic reaction to seafood symptoms that are seen as life-threatening may include:
- Problems with breathing
- Swelling of your tongue and tightening of the throat
- Having difficulty talking or talking in a hoarse voice
- Persistent cough
- Feeling dizzy and weak
- Young kids may appear pale and floppy
What Causes Shellfish Allergies?
In general, food allergies happen because of the overreaction of the immune system. The immune system typically protects the body against pathogens and other invaders. Seafood allergy will happen when the body detects an allergen as a foreign invader. This is especially true for genetically susceptible people. As such, the immune system players will orchestrate some reactions that aim at removing these invaders. The reactions will then be manifested as allergies.
Shellfish allergy may be brought on by a number of known allergens. Generally, tropomyosin is the most known as a major allergen and the studied shellfish allergen.
Treatment of Seafood Allergy
Avoiding shellfish can only be the surefire approach to stop an allergic reaction to seafood rash but your efforts to avoid coming in contact with shellfish may be futile. This is actually the first seafood allergy treatment step. Don’t come in contact with or consume seafood or any item containing its traces. Always bear in mind to check the sources like kitchen aromas and cooking fumes.
For mild allergic reaction to seafood symptoms, medication may be prescribed. Mostly, your doctor or an allergist may recommend certain medicines to provide relief from these symptoms. Though the medications may offer some relief, they may not help in case of a very severe or life-threatening reaction.
In case of severe seafood allergy, you will most likely need emergency injections. During seafood allergy treatment, your doctor can prescribe an injection in advance and provide instructions on when and how to administer it if you are at risk of developing an allergic reaction to shellfish.
Conclusion
An allergic reaction to seafood can be bothersome. It may disrupt your normal life, especially if you’re a lover of seafood and enjoy eating it. Taking measures and avoiding shellfish is a good idea, even if your signs of allergic reaction to seafood are mild. You may literally completely minimise the painful and perhaps fatal consequences of an allergic reaction by avoiding shellfish.
If you notice an allergic reaction to seafood rash as a first sign after consuming shellfish, consult an allergist or your healthcare physician immediately. Your healthcare professional will go over self-care tips with you and administer the best remedy to treat the allergy.
