Information About Seafood Allergies

A Fish or Shellfish Allergy Has a High Risk of Causing Anaphylaxis

Jun 24, 2009

A seafood allergy is one of the most potentially severe allergies. It is important for the allergic individual to know basic information and what to avoid.

As with all allergies, getting a diagnosis for a fish or shellfish allergy is important. The sufferer will also need to know what treatment is available and what foods and additives to avoid.

What is a Seafood Allergy?

A seafood allergy occurs when an individual eats some type of fish or shellfish (including mollusks) that causes a reaction in the immune system, creating allergic reaction symptoms.

Seafood is among the top eight food allergens and, unlike soy and milk allergies, a fish or shellfish allergy is life-long.

Seafood Allergy Symptoms and Diagnosis

A seafood allergy can cause any of the allergy symptoms, including rash, hives, swelling, allergic rhinitis, itching, sore eyes, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

It should be noted that, like peanuts and tree nuts, fish and shellfish have a high risk of bringing on an anaphylactic attack.

As with all suspected allergies, it is important to seek a diagnosis from a medical professional. A diagnosis will likely be made using a medical examination, complete medical and family history, as well as skin or blood tests.

Seafood Allergy Treatment

Like other food allergies, the main treatment for a seafood allergy is to avoid the food trigger completely. Because of the higher risk of anaphylaxis with a seafood allergy, it is even more important that the allergic individual carry self-injecting epinephrine at all times. This can be prescribed by a doctor. A medical alert id is also important.

What to Avoid with a Seafood Allergy

If the individual is allergic to a type of fish, he will not necessarily be allergic to other forms of seafood such as shellfish and mollusks. Likewise, an allergy to shellfish or mollusks does not necessarily mean an allergy to fish. However, if an individual is allergic to one type of fish or shellfish, it will be wise to approach other types of food in the same category with caution.

Where many food allergies pose a risk with additives and hidden ingredients in processed foods, a seafood allergy is often hardest to avoid outside the home, especially when dining out.

When considering dining out in restaurants, the seafood allergy sufferer will also need to avoid foods containing the following terms:

Restaurant goers should also be aware that foods can easily become cross-contaminated through the cooking process. The allergy sufferer cannot afford to be shy about asking questions. Another important point is that a seafood allergy is powerful, with the potential for the proteins to become airborne in places such as seafood restaurants and fish markets.

It is also important to read labels, not only on food products, but also on medicines, cosmetics, creams and lotions. Fortunately, seafood ingredients are usually clearly marked on labels.

A seafood allergy should never be taken lightly. It is important for the individual suffering from this type of allergy to become as informed as possible about the condition and what to avoid, or approach with caution. Medical supervision is also essential, coupled with carrying a medical alert ID and self-injecting epinephrine at all times.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical attention and supervision.

Website: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, updated 2005. Visited June 20, 2009.

Ehrlich, Paul M. Teen’s Guides: Living with Allergies. New York: Checkmark Books, 2009.

Rhude Yoder, Eileen. The Allergy-free Cookbook: How to Avoid the Eight Major Food Allergens and Eat Happily Ever After. Philadelphia, PA: Running Press Book Publishers, 1987, 2009.

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