Are you allergic to shellfish? If you are you are in common company, because 2 percent of the population of the US is allergic to shellfish. All shellfish are not created equal! You might be able to eat one type of shellfish and be very allergic to another. One person’s allergies might be mild, while another person’s could cause him/her to stop breathing.
Some of the animals that are classified as shellfish are clams, shrimp, lobster, crab, scallops, octopus and squid. The signs and symptoms of an allergy to shellfish may include itching; hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue; generalized swelling anywhere on the body; wheezing; tingling of the mouth; dizziness; fainting; and swelling of the mouth, and airway making it difficult or impossible to breathe-this is a state of anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylaxis is a state of shock this is a life threatening condition that requires an immediate injection of epinephrine; the patient must go to the closest Emergency Room available. Anaphylaxis is characterized by an obstructed airway due to swelling of the throat; shock-related to a sudden drop in blood pressure; dizziness; rapid pulse; and loss of consciousness.
Every food allergy, including those related to shellfish is caused by an immune system response. When you are allergic, your immune system produces antibodies to protect the body from certain proteins that the body has identified as harmful. These proteins are actually harmless, but have been mistaken by the immune system identifies them as harmful invaders. The next time you ingest the food that contains the harmful proteins, your immune system releases chemicals called histamines that cause an allergic response, which may be a mild rash or a full blown anaphylactic reaction.
Different kinds of shellfish contain different proteins that cause allergies. You might be able to eat shrimp, but not be able to eat clams or lobster. Or you might be able to eat lobster and not be able to eat other forms of shellfish. If you have any allergic reaction after eating any kind of food see your doctor as soon as possible-preferable while you are still having the reaction. If you are having trouble breathing, feel dizzy, have a drop in blood pressure or have a rapid heart rate call 911 to get help immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Once you have been found to be allergic to certain foods, your doctor will suggest you have skin tests that contain minute amounts of proteins that are common to shellfish. If you are found to be allergic to the protein you will develop an allergic response on the skin in the form of a hive or a bump. Certain blood tests can be done to screen the proteins and measure your immune response to the specific proteins. The only way to avoid a reaction is to avoid the shellfish you are allergic to, but in the event you ingest food you are allergic to, you doctor may have prescribed a rescue dose of epinephrine. This rescue dose is called an EpiPen. You just flip the top and stab your skin with it. In an emergency you can stick yourself right through your clothing in an emergency. Once you have administered the EpiPen you need to go to the nearest emergency room for follow-up treatment. Once your EpiPen is used up, you will need to get a prescription for another one to have on hand for emergency situations.
Because of the danger of cross contamination, you may need to avoid places where shellfish are cooked, packaged or processed. If you are highly allergic, you can have a severe reaction just by inhaling the steam from shellfish being cooked. If you are eating out at a restaurant, make very sure that your food is not going to come near or into contact with any pan, utensil or juice from any shellfish being prepared in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to ask, if you have any questions about your food.
It is a necessity to either have a medical alert bracelet or necklace, or some kind of card to carry in your wallet to speak for you in a time that you cannot speak for yourself. Be sure you always have an EpiPen with you at all times if your doctor has prescribed them for you. They are easy and convenient to carry with your at all times. Let your friends and associates know what your allergies are, and where your EpiPen is located, so that in case of an emergency someone you are with may be able to help you.
Source: Mayo Clinic information page
