Seafood allergies are fairly common. Research has determined that roughly 2.3% of the population of the United States (6.6 million) have food allergies.
If you or your child has been recently diagnosed with a seafood allergy, you probably have a lot of questions. Let’s go over some of the basics of seafood allergies and how to keep safe.
Symptoms of Seafood Allergies
Seafood allergy symptoms can vary from person to person but do have the potential to cause severe and even life-threatening reactions in some who suffer. Some possible seafood allergy symptoms include:
- Hives
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy, irritated skin
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
In cases of a severe reaction, a person may go into anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction that constricts your airways and causes:
- Trouble breathing
- Swollen throat or tightness in the throat
- Severe drop in blood pressure
- Rapid pulse
- Fainting
Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with an epinephrine injector and a trip to the emergency room.
A Seafood Allergy Can Develop at Any Age
Even though allergies most commonly show up in childhood, it’s possible to develop a seafood allergy at any age. Adults who have eaten food like crab, lobster or shrimp with no issue can still develop an allergy to those foods at some point later in life. Once you have a seafood allergy, it’s unlikely to go away.
An Allergic Reaction Can Occur Even Without Eating Seafood
It’s possible to have an allergic reaction to seafood without even eating it. The proteins in seafood that trigger allergy symptoms can be transmitted in the air while it’s being cooked. Those who are extremely allergic can even have a serious reaction when handling fish or smelling the steam from cooking seafood.
If you have a seafood allergy, be mindful when you visit certain restaurants or shop for food at Kelly’s Market or other grocery stores.
You Don’t Need To Avoid Iodine
Because shellfish and seafood contain iodine, some people assume that if you have a seafood allergy, you need to avoid iodine. However, research has shown that there is no connection between having an allergic reaction to seafood and having those same symptoms triggered by iodine.
Visit an Allergist
If you have experienced allergy symptoms when consuming shellfish and other seafood, make an appointment with an allergist. They can use allergy testing to verify your allergies and prescribe an epinephrine injector in case of a severe reaction.
For more information or to make an appointment with one of our expert allergists, contact ENT of Georgia North today.
